ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – Building on back-to-back standout performances to open the season, the College of Saint Benedict swim and dive team travels to St. Paul on Saturday, Oct. 25, for a dual meet against Macalester College. Competition begins at 1 p.m. at the Riley Pool.
The Bennies, led by head coach Mandy Wolvert, have carried early-season momentum through two impressive meets. CSB opened the year with a second-place finish at the St. Catherine Pentathlon on Oct. 11, followed by a commanding team title at the CSB/SJU Invitational on Oct. 18.
At the home invitational, Saint Benedict dominated the field, winning 14 of 16 events and finishing first with 811 points, ahead of Minnesota Morris (620), Hamline (314), Concordia (207.5), and Augsburg (141.5).
Zelen Sets Records, Earns Back-to-Back MIAC Honors
Junior transfer Haley Zelen has been at the center of CSB’s success. Zelen has collected consecutive MIAC Swimmer of the Week honors after rewriting the program record book through her first two meets.
At the CSB/SJU Invite, Zelen captured four individual titles, breaking her own school record in the 100 butterfly with a time of 57.07, lowering the mark she set a week earlier (57.09). She also won the 50 freestyle in 23.97, the third-fastest time in CSB history, and the 100 freestyle in 52.90, also the program’s third best.
Zelen anchored a dominant relay group as well, helping CSB’s 200 medley relay team (with Lauren Sitzman, Megan Bartels, and Anna Schottler) take first in 1:53.19. The Bennies swept the top three spots in the event. CSB also claimed the 200-freestyle relay in 1:45.70, with Schottler, Maddie Modjeski, Addie Marsolek, and Jayda Alholm.
Balanced Performances Across Events
CSB showed strong depth across all areas at its home invitational.
- Megan Bartels won three events, including the 200 breaststroke (2:39.64) and 200 IM (2:24.85), as the Bennies swept the top five spots in the IM.
- Lauren Sitzman took first in the 200 backstroke (2:21.52), while Morgan Stout swept the distance races with victories in the 500 (5:40.72) and 1,000 freestyle (11:45.29).
- Josey Larson won the 200 butterfly (2:18.46) and placed second in the 500 freestyle, while Bella Kern led a podium sweep in the 100 breaststroke (1:14.39).
- On the diving boards, Emma Netland and Abby Stevens went 1–2 on the 3-meter, separated by just four-tenths of a point (160.70 to 160.30). Netland also placed third on the 1-meter board (161.75).
Netland’s performance earned her MIAC Diving Athlete of the Week honors on Oct. 21.
Season Opening Success at St. Catherine Pentathlon
At the season-opening St. Catherine Pentathlon, CSB finished second overall with 5,150 points, trailing only NCAA Division II Concordia-St. Paul. Zelen won four events, broke two school records, and claimed the individual pentathlon title with 413 points.
Schottler also placed fifth overall with standout swims in the 100 freestyle (55.10) and 100 butterfly (1:02.65), while Bartels added top 10 finishes in multiple events, including a personal best in the 100 IM (1:05.71).
Up Next
Following the Macalester dual, Saint Benedict will compete in a double dual against St. Catherine and St. Olaf on Nov. 1 in St. Paul.
Nestled in the heart of beautiful St. Joseph, Minnesota, the College of Saint Benedict (CSB) Swimming program has proudly celebrated over 50 years of competitive excellence. The Bennies have built a tradition rooted in Courage, Strength, and Boldness (CSB) —values that guide them in the pool, the classroom, and throughout our community. What sets CSB Swimming apart is its unique collaboration with Saint John’s University: Bennie swimmers train together on the CSB campus, yet compete alongside the Johnnies, creating a dynamic and supportive environment that’s both competitive and community-driven. Throughout its history, CSB Swimming has produced 12 NCAA Division III All-Americans, a testament to the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Equally impressive is the Bennies’ academic success—achieving 18 consecutive years as a CSCAA Scholar All-America Team. This dual commitment to athletics and academics reflects the high-achieving nature of the student-athletes who wear the Bennie cap. With a strong legacy and an even stronger future, Bennies continue to inspire, lead, and push the limits.