ST. JOSEPH, Minn. — The College of Saint Benedict swim and dive team hasn’t simply opened the 2025–26 season strong—they’ve surged into it. And on Saturday afternoon, the Bennies will try to carry that momentum into one of their toughest early tests: a 2 p.m. dual showdown with NCAA Division II St. Cloud State at Halenbeck Hall.
In her first season at the helm, head coach Mandy Wolvert has guided a CSB squad that is deeper, sharper, and more competitive with every passing week. What began with a runner-up finish at the St. Catherine Pentathlon on Oct. 11 has grown into a month-long stretch defined by big relay moments, breakthrough swims from newcomers. After the dual with St. Cloud, the Bennies will next compete at the Rochester Invite on Dec. 4-6 at the Rochester (Minn.) Rec Center.
CSB has solid effort at UW-LaCrosse
If there has been a defining force behind CSB’s surge, it is Zelen, whose performances have rewritten the Bennies’ record book nearly every weekend. Last Saturday at UW–La Crosse, she delivered one of the most dominant outings of her career—three individual victories, two school-record swims, and yet another fast climb up CSB’s all-time lists. It was an effort that earned the junior standout her fourth MIAC Swimming Athlete of the Week honor.
Zelen opened with a crisp 23.91 in the 50 freestyle, the third-fastest time in program history, then sprinted through the 100 free in 53.00. She capped the meet by dropping her school record again in the 100 butterfly, touching in 56.33—her fifth straight meet lowering that mark.
Junior Mary Morris added a win of her own in the 200 backstroke (2:13.26) and helped power CSB’s relays to top four finishes across the board. First-year Josey Larson and senior Megan Bartels continued to emerge as key contributors, while senior Morgan Stout anchored the distance events with a top three finish in the 1,650 free and a strong runner-up showing in the 500.
Despite falling 179–114 to UW–La Crosse, the Bennies left the meet with four event titles, 18 top four finishes and, perhaps more importantly, another step forward in depth and consistency.
Zelen leads CSB at double dual
A week earlier, the Bennies split their matchups at the St. Catherine/St. Olaf Double Dual—rolling past St. Catherine 204–82 before falling to a strong St. Olaf squad. Still, CSB walked away with six event wins and an undeniable sense that their young athletes are rounding into form. Zelen again topped the headlines, knocking down her 100-fly school record for the fourth straight week (56.47) and picking up wins in both the 100 breaststroke (1:06.76) and 50 freestyle (24.25). She capped the day by anchoring the winning 400 freestyle relay alongside Anna Schottler, Morris, and Larson. Larson, a standout first-year, delivered the biggest breakthrough of the meet by winning the 200 butterfly in a personal-best 2:16.12—now ninth-fastest in CSB history. Schottler continued her impressive debut campaign with runner-up finishes in the 100 and 200 freestyle races. Morris added a decisive win in the 200 back, while Stout and Bartels delivered crucial points in distance and breaststroke events. On the boards, Emma Netland remained steady with top six finishes in both diving events.
Bennies battled Macalester
Before that, CSB’s fall momentum took shape during a tightly contested dual with Macalester, a 167–132 loss that felt more like a preview of what the Bennies might become. CSB collected seven event wins and 18 top three finishes. Unsurprisingly, Zelen again led the charge—breaking her 100 butterfly record for the third straight week (56.68) and adding victories in the 100 free and 100 backstrokes. Larson picked up her first collegiate win in the 200 butterfly, Schottler claimed her first victory in the 50 freestyle, and Morris dominated the 200 backstroke. Depth was the difference-maker: Bartels nabbed two top three finishes in breaststroke, Stout dropped a remarkable 13 seconds off her 1,000 free time, and CSB’s relays continued to show championship-level potential.
Award winners and early headlines
Zelen’s hot start has earned her four MIAC Swimmer of the Week honors, a streak unmatched in recent CSB history. Diver Emma Netland picked up MIAC Diving Athlete of the Week recognition in mid-October after edging teammate Abby Stevens by less than half a point on the 3-meter board.
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.