Maria Saldivar

Women's Swimming & Diving January 15, 2021 Katie Rapp, NAU Athletic Communications

Swimming Tops Dixie State in Season Opener, 157-101

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (January 15, 2021) – In its first dual meet of the season, Northern Arizona University swimming topped its newest Western Athletic Conference opponent, Dixie State, 157-101.

"We're super happy to race and thankful Dixie came here to compete with us," head coach Andy Johns said. "It was important for us to be able to race. We saw a lot of good things and a lot of things that we need to work on. Overall, we're happy with the results and happy we were able to race."

The Lumberjacks came right out of the gate against the Trailblazers, taking the top times in the first three events. In total, NAU posted nine first-place finishes out of the 14 swimming events.

In the 200 medley relay, Sophie Velitchkov, Abbie Nelson, Maddie Seidl, and Maddy Rey initially put pressure on Dixie as they finished at 1:46.60. The pressure continued with the 1000 free and 200 free where both Francesca Criscione (10:40.17) and Astrid Villeda (10:44.35) went first and second in the 1000, followed by Katy Smith (1:54.72) and Annie Carlton (1:56.43) with the two top-finishes in the 200.

Just after those first three events, the 'Jacks were up 43-12 and continued their lead through until the end.

Despite NAU taking most of the wins, with Dixie placing amongst the top five, Johns recognized the talent the Trailblazers have on their team.

"They're going to be a force as they continue to get better," Johns said. "They have some talented swimmers and a force we will have to reckon with."

Criscione, as a freshman, found her second first-place finish in the 500 free, where she clocked in a time of 5:11.14. Alongside Criscione, Carlton also posted her first Lumberjack career win in the 200 back with a finals time of 2:06.26.

In addition to their win, this will be the only home meet of the season for the six graduating senior Lumberjacks. Jenny Cheetham, Emily Sharrer, Seidl, Sam Seiber, Hope Williams, and Natalie Dinch were all honored for their dedication to the NAU swimming and diving program.

Seidl was not only able to celebrate her time as a 'Jack, but also three first-place finishes over the Trailblazers. After taking first in the 200 medley relay, Seidl extended her winning streak into both the 200 fly (2:03.12) and 100 fly (55.70).

"It was a great day to send off our seniors," Johns said. "They're invaluable to our program. We wouldn't be the program we are without them. The accolades they have achieved over their careers are pretty amazing. We really look forward to what is coming in the next couple of months for them with graduation. We know they will be successful. We're really proud of them and we're gonna miss them."

Northern Arizona will look to travel to Arizona on Jan. 30 for the last dual meet of the regular season before the WAC Championships in February, hosted by Dixie State in St. George, Utah.

"We're looking forward to going to their place in four and a half weeks and doing it again with the whole conference," Johns said.

Gallery: (1-15-2021) NAU vs. Dixie State - 1/15/21

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