Division II Meet Recap: Grand Valley Takes Down Conference Rival

Photo Courtesy: Kyle Staggs

As teams settle back into competition season we are getting some indications of teams to watch in the next couple months of conference and NCAA championship meets. Read below to see the major shakeup in the GLIAC conference and if Florida Southern was able to take down Division III powerhouse Emory in this week’s Division II Meet Recap.

Florida Southern vs. Emory

The Emory Eagles took down both Florida Southern teams this weekend as the Division II school hosted the Division III powerhouse. The Eagle women, who are defending National Champions, won the meet easily 173-86, while the men had a much closer meet, winning 135-127.

Notably, on the men’s side of the meet Florida Southern won 8 of the 12 individual events, but they were unable to capture either of the relay events that bookended the meet. The Moccasins were actually leading by 1 point heading into the last relay, but they weren’t able to hold off Emory and defending NCAA champion in the 50 free Oliver Smith to clinch the 200 free relay. Florida Southern sophomore Matthew Holmes did notch three wins over the course of the meet, touching first in the 200 free (1:40.79), 500 free (4:41.50), and 200 IM (1:53.00).

On the women’s side, Florida Southern’s Jacinda Whittenburg was the only event winner for the Lady Moccasins. The junior won the 200 breast (2:22.20) and the 200 IM (2:11.09). You can see full results from the meet here. Florida Southern will take on conference rivals Nova Southeastern next weekend in Davie, Florida.

Grand Valley vs. Wayne State

Grand Valley State swept the Wayne State men and women’s teams this weekend, winning the women’s meet 172-128 and the men’s meet 198-102. That is a huge win for the GVSU women, as Wayne State is the current defending GLIAC conference champions.

On the men’s side, the Lakers won 12 events. Sophomore Marius Mikalauskas was the big winner for Grand Valley, picking up three individual wins in the 100 breast (56.35), 200 breast (2:05.95), and 200 IM (1:56.50). Other double winners included Danny Abbott in the 50 (21.32) and 100 free (46.33) and Brad Dalrymple on both 1-meter and 3-meter events. During the women’s meet, the Lakers won a total of 10 events. Senior Leonie Van Noort, junior Sam Postmus, and senior Emily Gallagher each came away with two event wins. Van Noort is the defending NCAA Champion in the 200 free and 1650 free, and won the 1000 (10:34.56) and 500 (5:04.96) free. You can see full results from the meet here.

Grand Valley State will return to competition next weekend against the University of Findlay, while Wayne State will be competing against Findlay as well the day before. Both teams will meet at the GLIAC Conference Championships that begin on February 8th.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use