PRINCETON, N.J. – The Columbia women's swimming and diving team traveled to New Jersey to take part in the Big Al Invitational this weekend. After three days of competition, the Lions finished in third place with 685.50 points. Penn took first place by a narrow margin with 1,072 points.
Columbia dropped its head to head matchup with Princeton, as the Tigers scored 1,004 points.
"Many solid swims and good reminders about a three day trials and finals competition," Head Coach Diana Caskey said. "Mental and physical muscle memory, so to speak. Great preparation for championship season in late February!"
Full Results from the Big Al Invite can be found HERE. A recap from each day can be found below.
DAY ONE
The 200 free relay team got things started with a second place finish. Emily MacDonald, Sally Ma, Isabel Lee, and Audrey Wolk clocked in at 1:31.79.
In the first individual event of the day, Lindsay Orringer finished in fourth in the 500 free with a time of 4:49.27. Mia Avansino was right behind her in seventh with a time of 4:55.31.
MacDonald continued her sprinting prowess, coming in second in the 50 free with a time of 22.63.
Allison Martin placed fifth in the 200 IM with a time of 2:01.05.
Full results from Day One can be found HERE.
DAY TWO
Ashley Hu stole the show, winning the 100-breast with a stellar time of 1:01.58. Natalia Diaz placed third with a time of 1:03.24.
Martin placed eighth in the 400 IM with a time of 4:21.65.
Hutton Saunders came in fifth place in the 200 free with a time of 1:49.61.
Full results from Day Two can be found HERE.
DAY THREE
Orringer got things started with a fourth place finish in the 1650 free, finishing at 16:39.53.
Riley Pujadas finished eighth in the 200 back with a time of 2:01.35.
Sally Ma took fifth in the 100 free touching the wall at 50.24.
Hu had one of the best finishes of the day, placing third in the 200 breast with a time of 2:15.11
Martin also took third in the 200 fly, clocking in at 2:00.67.
Full results from Day Three can be found HERE.
DIVING
Meanwhile, on day one, the women's divers competed in the 3m finals where Macy Pine led the pick with a 6th place finish and score of 253.15
On day two, the women's divers took part in the 1m finals. Pine once again led the way placing sixth with a score of 243.90. Chloe Leung placed ninth with a score of 229.25.
On day three, Leung led the Lions with 211.00 points which was good for third place in teh platform dive.
"Chloe exceeded our expectations today and scored valuable team points," Head Diving Coach Scott Donie said. "Super proud of her."
ON DECK
Following this weekend, the Lions will take a break for the holidays before returning to action on January 14 against Brown at Uris Natatorium. This will also be Senior Day.
For the latest on the Columbia women's swimming and diving program, follow @CULionsWSD and @CULionsDiving on Instagram and Twitter, and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
