University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Bucknell University Invitational
Huskies finish 3rd at Bucknell Invitational
11/23/2021 10:35:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
LEWISBRUG, PA. – The University of Connecticut women's swimming and diving team wrapped up a three-day road trip with a third-place finish at the Bucknell Invitational.
UConn finished the day Friday in fourth place trailing by 27 points, with their best swims yet to come. UConn finished Friday strong with two first place finishes. Sophomore Ana Laura Faoro placed first in the 1-meter diving with a score of 291.95. Following the lead set by Ana Laura, the relay team of sophomore Kayla Mendonca, senior Katelyn Walsh, senior Linnea Anderson, and freshman Maggie Donlevy won the 400-yard Medley relay by two seconds.
"I think our team is more focused after this meet for what's ahead. They know how good they can be." Said Head Coach Chris Maiello.
Heading into Saturday, UConn felt like they were in a great position, and were focused on building off the day before. UConn continued to swim fast and gain points closing in on third place. UConn started off strong with the relay team of Kayla Mendonca, Katelyn Walsh, Linnea Anderson, and Maggie Donlevy once again claiming first place.
"It was great to see the hard work the team has put in come to fruition. There is no doubt they certainly earned those performances through consistent work in our training sessions and execution in our races and dives," said head coach Chris Maiello.
Kayla Mendonca and Maggie Donlevy wouldn't stop with the relay wins. In the 100-yard backstroke Mendonca would take first and Donlevy second propelling UConn into 3rd place.
On the final day of the invitational, the UConn swimmers didn't show any sign of stopping. Sophomore Niamh Hofland started the meet out strong with a win in the 1650-yard freestyle. Senior Ali Grace would follow that up with a win in the 200-yard butterfly.
When asked about the team's success from this weekend coach Maiello stated, "Event wins highlighted our weekend, our team really stepped-up during finals. The atmosphere was electric, and our team led the way."
"I know we are in a good position at this point in the season. Our mid-season championship format meet is always a good gauge on the development points along our season plans, and our staff believes we are in a great spot going forward," added Maiello.
Up Next
UConn will return home for the Holiday's and return to the pool December 4 when they take on in state foe Southern Connecticut State University. The meet will kickoff at 1:00 p.m. at Wolff-Zackin Natatorium in Storrs.
Players Mentioned
