BY MATT VAN WAGENEN

Franciscan University's women's swimming and diving team competed against Penn State Altoona and Chatham University Saturday in the first tri-meet ever hosted by Franciscan University.

Competing at the Steubenville High School's Big Red swimming pool, the Lady Barons lost to Chatham University but defeated Penn State Altoona. Because of their victory, the Lady Barons are now ranked No. 1 in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference, with a record of 4-3 in conference.

Head coach Rebecca Recznik was ecstatic about the team's performance at the meet.

"I am really proud of the girls," said Recznik. "Several of the girls made personal bests in their events."

One of the personal record setters, Emily Pass, shaved 30 seconds off of her previous best time in the 1000-yard freestyle.

Assistant coach Ryan Miller had nothing but positive things to say about the ladies' work.

"I'm really looking forward to conferences," said Miller. "I've been really fired up for this first home meet."

The swimmers were excited to see each other perform so well at the Tri-Meet.

"It was a really great meet," said GraceAnne Beatovich, one of the three senior swimmers on the team. "We worked hard, and it showed."

This meet was the first and only home meet of the season. The three senior swimmers, GraceAnne Beatovich, Joan Radke and Danielle Tremblay were all recognized at the end of the match during the seniors segment of the day.

The event was free for students, and by meet's end there were some 50 plus people in the audience cheering on the Lady Barons. Some families of the swimmers, in addition to friends and local residents all made an appearance.

Photo by Jacob Baugher, athletic department photographer.