ST. PAUL, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict swim and dive team delivered a strong all-around performance on Saturday, Oct. 25, claiming seven event titles and 18 top three finishes, but ultimately fell in a competitive 167–132 dual meet against Macalester College at the Riley Pool.
Leading the way for CSB was junior Haley Zelen, who continued her record-breaking season with three individual victories and another school record. Zelen’s standout day began with a first-place finish in the 100 butterfly, where she broke her own school record for the third consecutive week, touching in 56.68 to better her previous mark of 57.07 set at the CSB/SJU Invitational.
She added wins in the 100 freestyle (52.85), improving her own No. 3 time in program history, and the 100 backstroke (1:01.00). Zelen also helped the Bennies to a win in the 200-medley relay, joining Mary Morris, Megan Bartels, and Anna Schottler for a time of 1:50.96, the team’s best mark of the season and just outside CSB’s all-time top 10.
In the 200-freestyle relay, CSB took second in 1:45.92 with the team of Morris, Schottler, Lydia Jostock, and Jayda Alholm.
Multiple Bennies Earn Wins and Top Finishes
First-year Josey Larson earned her first collegiate victory, winning the 200 butterfly in 2:16.40, followed by teammates Izzy Green (fourth, 2:27.75) and Isabella Anderson (fifth, 2:28.07).
First-year Anna Schottler captured her first individual title for CSB by winning the 50 freestyle in 24.98, with Jostock (fourth, 26.57) and Maddie Mojeski (fifth, 26.86) close behind. Schottler also placed second in the 500 freestyle (5:34.09), just ahead of Morgan Stout (third, 5:35.37) and Maddie Brynda (fourth, 5:45.92).
Junior Mary Morris had a strong meet, winning the 200 backstroke (2:11.37) and placing second in the 200 freestyle (2:01.60) while also swimming on the winning 200-freestyle relay. Junior Jayda Alholm added a fourth-place finish in the 200 free (2:09.30).
In the breaststroke events, senior Megan Bartels took third in both the 100 (1:12.74) and 200 (2:38.97), while first-year Bella Kern placed fourth in the 200 breaststroke (2:42.43) and Jostock added a fifth-place finish in the 100 (1:15.73).
Senior Morgan Stout also set a personal best in the 1,000 freestyle, finishing fourth in 11:32.70, a 13-second improvement over her previous best. Brynda was fifth in 12:03.15.
Additional top five finishes included:
CSB’s second 200 medley relay team of Thomas, Kern, Larson, and Modjeski finished fourth in 1:57.89, while the 200-freestyle relay team of Modjeski, Brynda, Green, and Thomas also took fourth (1:49.18).
On the diving boards, sophomores Abby Stevens and Emma Netland delivered strong performances. Stevens finished second on the 1-meter (169.40), with Netland close behind in third (164.25). On the 3-meter board, Netland placed second (178.25), while Stevens took third (160.65).
Next for the Bennies will be competing at the St. Catherine/St. Olaf Double Dual in St. Paul, Minn., on Nov. 1.
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.