(Brent Schwert)
The LU fencing team dualed against eight tough teams-seven DI-at the University of Notre Dame Duals Jan. 20-21. Despite nine of the 20 fencers only having started fencing in September, Lawrence did well against their more experienced opponents. The women’s team went 2-6 in the duals, beating Cal State Fullerton and Detroit Mercy. The men went 0-8.
Christina Bartell (women’s saber) and Muneyuki Okamoto (men’s epee) both beat two Notre Dame fencers each. Jessica Grasso (women’s epee) gave Lawrence one win against the tough Ohio State team. The next tournament is Feb. 24-25 at Northwestern.The Lawrence wrestling team was defeated 25-13 by Lakeland College in their home meet Jan. 19. Tony Norton, Sam Laes, John Budi and Jack Peters all posted wins for the Vikes. LU wrestling’s season record is currently 2-4. Their next chance to prove themselves is Jan. 26-27 at the Wheaton College Invitational.
The LU swimming and diving team had home pool advantage Jan. 20 for their Prelims/Finals invitational, and the Vikes didn’t disappoint. Both men’s and women’s teams won the meet, which put them up against MWC competitors Carroll, Ripon and St. Norbert, as well as Marquette.
The meet got off to an excellent start as the women’s 400 medley relay touched out the opposition for first place. Julia Ziege and Hayley Vatch went 1-2 in the 500 free, with Vatch taking the top spot in the mile as well. Kyle Griffin and Pat Jordan topped the men’s mile. Griffin also placed first in the men’s 200 free, while Alice Shepro took the women’s. The 100 free saw Brett Cox take the top spot on the men’s side, and Heather Prochnow won the women’s 100 fly.
After rounding out the victories with wins in the men’s 200 free relay and both 200 medley relays, LUST ended the meet with a double win in both the men’s and women’s 400 free relays. Lawrence also swept the diving events. Next up for LUST is the Wisconsin Private College Championships, on Jan. 27 at Lawrence.
