By Reagan Thomas · Staff Writer
The Grove City College swimming and diving teams wrapped up their final non-conference dual meet of 2025 with strong performances against the University of Rochester on Saturday.
The men’s team surged to a 141-121 victory, breaking four pool records, while the women’s team battled hard in a 224-76 setback, highlighted by standout swims and NCAA qualifying scores.
Freshman Mollie Massella led the way for the Wolverines on the women’s side, earning second place in both butterfly events. She clocked 1:05.10 in the 100 fly and 2:17.51 in the 200 fly, continuing an impressive start to her collegiate career.
“While I am proud of my achievements in competition so far this season, I know there is room for improvement. It feels good to consistently score points for my team while working towards personal goals. By the end of the season, I hope to drop time in both butterfly events, compete well at the PAC championship and make a positive impact on the team,” Massella said. “Our women’s team has a strong chance at winning the Wheaton Invitational this weekend. I’m excited to represent GCC, make memories with my friends and cheer for my teammates.”
Other top performers included Hadleigh McNay, who placed second in the 100 breaststroke (1:08.98), and Abigail Vance, who earned runner-up honors in the 200 breaststroke (2:31.83).
On the boards, freshman Chaeli Keenan posted NCAA regional qualifying scores in both diving events, finishing third in the one meter (419.15) and three meter (432.55).
On the men’s side, Grove City opened the meet with a statement as the 200-medley relay team of juniors Owen Hancock and Bryce Pope and seniors Caleb Einolf and Nathan Beukema posted a facility-record time of 1:32.71.
Hancock’s 50 backstroke split of 23.33 also set a pool mark. Einolf stole the spotlight, breaking a 40-year-old pool record in the 100 butterfly with a time of 49.54 seconds and adding another record in the 100 breaststroke (55.89).
Pope contributed two individual wins, taking the 200 breaststroke (2:12.95) and 200 IM (2:00.14). Freshman George Witte claimed the 200 free (1:46.01), while Beukema won the 100 free (48.36) and anchored the victorious 200 free relay (1:25.84) alongside Einolf, Witte and sophomore Ryan Turner.
Both teams began competition on Wednesday at the Wheaton Invitational and will compete through Saturday. At this invitational, they aim to build on their momentum heading into the conference championship season.
