Milwaukee City Wire

The Milwaukee swimming and diving teams are set to compete in their final meet of the 2024-25 season before heading to the Horizon League Championships. The Panthers will participate in the Wisconsin First Chance Meet, scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the Soderholm Family Aquatic Center in Madison.

The event is divided into three sessions, starting with the first session on Friday at 4:00 p.m., followed by two sessions on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

In their most recent competition, the Panther women's team excelled by winning every swimming event against Stevens Point, finishing with a score of 198-68. This victory marked the end of their dual season with a record of 4-1. Erika Thomas was notable for her three individual wins in the 200 freestyle (1:54.52), 200 individual medley (2:08.72), and 500 freestyle (5:07.69). Gabrielle LePine also stood out by winning both breaststroke events, earning her fourth Horizon League Swimmer of the Week title this season.

Other top performers included Mara Freeman, who swept both backstroke events, Carly Plate in the 50 freestyle, Janelle Schulz in the 100 freestyle, Natalie DiProspero in the 200 butterfly, and Maddi Hayashi in the 100 butterfly. The team also secured victories in both relay events.

On the men's side, Milwaukee achieved first-place finishes across all thirteen swimming events against Stevens Point, concluding their dual-meet season with a record of 3-2. Gunnar Seversen claimed victories in both the 200 freestyle (1:42.06) and 200 backstroke (1:53.96). Alvin Valkki also performed well with wins in two events.

Additional winners included Victor Kostov (100 backstroke), Trevor Nicodemus (200 breaststroke), Ben Lorenz (50 freestyle), Charlie House (100 freestyle), Jay Jensen (500 freestyle), Caleb Carlisle (100 butterfly), and Nik Wheeler (200 butterfly). The men's team began their meet with a win in the 200 medley relay and concluded it with another win in the 400 freestyle relay.

Following this weekend's meet in Madison, Milwaukee will prepare for the Horizon League Championships from February 19 to February 22 at IU Natatorium in Indianapolis.