A mix of veterans and newcomers carried the Stanford women’s swimming and diving team to a 134-117 win at Avery Aquatic Center Friday afternoon. The meet kicked off Reunion Homecoming for the team, as the Alumni Meet with many former Cardinal in attendance took place after the victory.
“I was pleased,” said head coach Greg Meehan. “It was just really nice to be back home, back in our home pool. After being on campus now for eight weeks, having the opportunity to race at home was nice. I think it heightens the excitement of our training week.”
Freshman Simone Manuel led the effort with three wins, while classmates Janet Hu and Ally Howe each picked up two wins apiece. The Cardinal won 13 of the 14 contested events, including the final 12.
Oregon State’s Sammy Harrison posted the Beavers’ only win of the day by going 10:03.93 in the 1,000-yard freestyle. Harrison, last year’s Pac-12 champion in the 1,650-yard freestyle, was later edged by Manuel in the 500-yard freestyle. The Cardinal freshman also won the 200-yard freestyle and 200-yard IM.
“She’s incredibly talented,” Meehan said of Manuel. “What you see there in the meets, is what we see every day in training. She’s very consistent.”
The seniors combined for three wins, as Katie Olsen (100-yard breaststroke), Maddy Schaefer (50-yard freestyle) and Mackenzie Stein (100-yard butterfly) all won races. Junior Sarah Haase captured the 200-yard breaststroke.
“It’s fun to be back,” said Olsen. “Especially on the day of our Alumni Meet, with all of our alumni cheering us on.”
The win was Stanford's 12th straight dual victory dating back to February 16, 2013.
Stanford is home Oct. 30 against Texas and Nov. 8 when Wisconsin visits. The Cardinal finishes the fall schedule Nov. 20-22 at the Art Adamson Invitational in College Station, Texas.
