What are Flying Dutch anyway?

Halloween was this past Saturday. While festive dressed children were out collecting candy from neighboring houses, the Lady Reds dressed up in spiffy Nike Red Polyester and hosted the Flying Dutch in the first dual meet of the season. Keeping the score neck and neck throughout the meet, the Lady Reds collectively put up a significant number of impressive times for the first meet of the season. With the amount of illness and injury we have already faced thus far as a team, we swam considerably well. Junior Lisa Tiltges finished first in the 100 breaststroke as did Michelle Pelka in both the 100 butterfly an 200 individual medley. Our 200 medley relay team of Jensena “Jippy” Paul, Lisa Tiltges, Pelka and Amanda Croix also finished first.

Keeping close to Hope College, Carthage wasnʼt able to capture as many top-finishing times as desired, but the Lady Reds did capture a few rather close second place finishes. These included Pelka in the 200 butterfly, freshman Maggie Knowles in the 200 breaststroke and Tiltges in the 500 freestyle. Our 400 free relay made of Tiltges, Sammy Jo Mahler, Lisa Rauschert and Alyssa Messina also finished second.

Earning three NCAA B cuts, Amanda Croix swept the 50, 100, and 200 freestyle events. Almost breaking her own pool record in the 50, this junior from Bradley, Illinois helped keep the score close with Hope. Croixʼs outstanding performance was recognized by www.collegeswimming.com honoring her as the NCAA Division III National Swimmer of the Week.

Although itʼs only our first meet, our confidence is strong as is our team. We look forward to building our strength throughout the season and next weekend as we face our first CCIW opponent, Illinois Wesleyan on November 14th.

Stayed tuned for more news with Lady Reds Swimming.