The Yale Bulldogs swim and dive teams launched their season with impressive victories over Brown University and Columbia University, solidifying their dominance in the opening weekend of competition. The men’s team triumphed over Brown with a score of 193-107 and Columbia with 194-106, while the women’s team secured a commanding win against Columbia at 213-87.
This weekend marked a historic achievement for the Bulldogs. The men’s team celebrated its first-ever away victory against Brown, enhancing their performance record with consecutive wins. They continued their momentum into the match against Columbia, extending their winning streak to two years.
In the season opener against Brown on October 5, 2023, the Bulldogs showcased their strength by winning 13 of the 16 events. Notable performances came from Noah Millard, Charlie Egeland, and Nick Finch, who each secured two individual victories. Millard took first in the 1000-yard freestyle with a time of 9:10.45 and the 200-yard backstroke in 1:48.23. Egeland dominated the breaststroke events, winning the 100-yard in 54.99 and the 200-yard in 1:59.74. Finch excelled in the sprints, finishing first in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 19.91 and the 100-yard butterfly in 46.67.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Millard expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I think there’s no better way to start the season than going 2–0 on the road. Wins like these are a huge source of encouragement and a reminder that the training we’re putting in is paying off.”
Just two days later, the Bulldogs faced Columbia, where they continued their winning streak by claiming victory in 15 of 16 races and establishing five new pool records. Nicholas Chau kicked off the meet with a first-place finish in the 3-meter dive, scoring 342.00. The team of Lars Kuljus, Egeland, Finch, and Deniel Nankov set a pool record in the 200-yard medley relay with a time of 1:26.50.
Finch continued to shine, breaking the pool record in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 19.71 and winning the 100-yard butterfly in 46.75. First-year swimmer Kavin Li made an impressive debut, taking first in the 200-yard butterfly with a time of 1:47.27 and setting a record in the 200-yard individual medley at 1:46.92. Millard also made headlines by setting pool records in both the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle with times of 1:34.44 and 4:20.05 respectively.
Millard noted, “On a team level, I was really impressed with how our younger guys stepped up. They knew how much it meant to the upperclassmen and alumni to beat Columbia in their home pool for the first time in 10 years, and they gave everything to help make it happen.”
The women’s team faced Columbia at the Kiphuth Pool, where they achieved a historic win, marking their most dominant victory against the Lions. The Bulldogs won every single event, a rare accomplishment in collegiate swimming. Grace Wu earned first place in the 1-meter dive with a score of 277.95, while Devyn Sargent, Jessey Li, Penny Zarczynski, and Sara Plunkett claimed victory in the 200-yard medley relay with a time of 1:40.70.
Li also excelled in both breaststroke events, finishing the 100-yard in 1:01.51 and the 200-yard in 2:17.49. In the freestyle races, Plunkett shone brightly, winning both the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle events. Julia Ebli took the 200-yard freestyle, and Caroline Riggs dominated the long-distance races, winning both the 500-yard and 1000-yard freestyle.
In backstroke, Sargent won the 100-yard with a time of 55.49, while Mabel Koff secured the 200-yard in 2:00.60. Ele Donegan finished first in the 100-yard butterfly, and Angela Wang took top honors in the 200-yard butterfly. The meet concluded with a victory in the 200-yard freestyle relay by Ebli, Plunkett, Caroline McCurdy, and Li, sealing a perfect meet with a time of 1:33.57.
Koff expressed pride in the team’s performance, stating, “I feel proud and excited for what’s to come about the strong win against Columbia. I’m proud of how the team fought in all of our races. Our energy was electric and really fueled us through the meet.”
Looking ahead, both the men’s and women’s teams will reunite for the Ohio State Fall Invitational in Columbus, Ohio, from October 10 to 13, 2023. The event will kick off on October 10 at 17:00 and continue with sessions from 09:30 to 17:30 daily through the end of the week.
