NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State swimming and diving opened the 2026-27 season in dominant fashion Friday, picking up 14 event victories and 11 runner-up finishes as the Redbirds defeated Quincy University, 187-69, at Horton Pool.
The Redbirds collected 12 individual event victories from seven different swimmers and added wins in both relay events.
"I am really pleased with the team's performance," said first-year head coach Ryan Evans. "I was proud with how all of our returners set the tone for our freshmen. Our freshmen really had an outstanding debut meet."
Freya Hingston and Hailey Fris each collected a pair of individual victories. Hingston swept the butterfly events, winning the 100 butterfly in 58.41 and the 200 butterfly in 2:10.02, while Fris claimed victories in the 100 backstroke (58.77) and 200 backstroke (2:09.74).
Alex Davis added two victories in the sprint events, taking first in the 50 free in 24.99 and the 100 free in 53.87. Ava Ostendorf also swept her individual events, winning the 100 breaststroke in 1:05.22 and the 200 breaststroke in 2:22.63.
Julia Bartula earned a victory in the 200 individual medley, finishing in 2:11.90, while Sylvia Admire claimed the 500 free in 5:23.17. Hope Westphal won the 1,000 free in 11:02.83. Molly Allison rounded out the individual winners with a first-place finish in the 200 free, touching the wall in a personal-best 1:53.76.
"There were several candidates for performer of the meet, but Freya Hingston really stood out with individual wins in both of her races and was a part of both winning relays," said Evans. "Also, freshman Molly Allison recorded a lifetime best on her way to winning the 200 freestyle."
The Redbirds also turned in strong performances in relay competition, winning both events. Davis, Bailey Gott, Hingston and Admire combined to win the 200 free relay, while Fris, Ostendorf, Hingston and Davis teamed up for the victory in the 200 medley relay.
Illinois State added 11 runner-up finishes throughout the meet. Gott recorded a pair of second-place finishes, placing second in the 100 backstroke (59.58) and 100 butterfly (59.54). Bartula finished second in the 100 breaststroke (1:08.33), while Admire was runner-up in the 200 free (2:00.81).
Westphal added second-place finishes in the 500 free (5:26.26) and 200 butterfly (2:19.77), while Allison placed second in the 200 breaststroke (2:24.69). Fris also added a second-place finish in the 200 individual medley (2:16.76).
"We definitely have room for improvement, but this was a good start," said Evans. "Now we will get back to work and try to get a little bit better each day."
ON DECK
The Redbirds return to action next Friday in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup with Indiana State at 5 p.m. CT at the County Vigo Aquatic Center.Â
