Akron vs. Oakland

ROCHESTER, Michigan, October 29. FRESHMAN Vanessza Balogh won three events and junior Marcella Barretta and senior Chelsea Oates hit NCAA Zone Diving qualifying marks as the Oakland University women's swimming and diving team (1-1) beat Akron (0-3) 180-115, Friday night at the OU Aquatic Center.

"I'm really pleased with this evening's results," said head coach Pete Hovland. "More importantly, I'm pleased with the ladies effort. We have a history of close meets with Akron and I expected the same. However, we were really sharp right from the beginning. It started out with our two relays in the 200 medley going under 1:49. We steadily gained momentum with each event. Having Marcella and Chelsea qualifying for zones says a lot of about our diving coach, Larry Albright. He has done a great job with our divers."

Balogh had a very strong meet as she won the 1000-yard freestyle (10:13.21 – 2nd fastest in OU history). She then climbed out of the pool, caught her breath, climbed back in for the next event, the 200 free and won with a time of 1:53.60. Balogh would also capture the 500 free (5:00.93).

The Golden Grizzlies had three other swimmers win twice. Joining the double victory parade was sophomore Alyssa Busch in the 100 and 200 backstroke events (57.76, 2:06.91, respectively), junior Alyssa Vela in the 50 and 100 free (24.30, 53.03, respectively) and senior Emily Wike in the 100 and 200 breaststroke events (1:06.40, 2:24.52, respectively).

Oates won the 1- and 3-meter springboard events (286.65 points, 292.42 points, respectively). Both of her scores qualified her for the NCAA Zone Diving Championships. Barretta scored 280.50 points to place second on the 3-meter board and also qualify for zones.

Oakland also won the 200 medley relay (1:48.09) with the team of Busch, Wike, freshman Julia Vela and A. Vela.

Oakland is back in the pool, Saturday, Oct. 30, as both squads take on Wayne State. The meet is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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