MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Led by titles from juniors Mary Morris and Haley Zelen, the College of Saint Benedict swim and dive team continued a historical run at the MIAC Swim and Dive Championships which concluded Saturday at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center.
CSB recorded two more titles, three total All-MIAC performances and two more records as the Bennies compiled its most points at 467 since recording 478 in a fourth-place finish in 2011-12.
Over the four days of competition at the MIAC Swim and Dive Championships, the Bennies compiled 10 All-MIAC performances — their highest total since 1999-00 (10). Their eight overall titles, including five individual crowns, marked the program’s most since winning 11 in 1997-98. On Saturday, CSB broke two additional records, giving the team five new marks for this year’s MIAC Championship.
CSB, which also recorded 18 swims that rank among the program’s all-time top 10, finished fifth in the team standings with 467 points. The Bennies,trailed three-time champion Gustavus Adolphus (788), Saint Olaf (631.50), Carleton College (576.50) and Macalester (575.50).
Zelen (Shakopee, Minn.) added to her remarkable championship with her third individual crown of the week, capturing the 100 freestyle with an NCAA invite time of 50.99. Zelen, who also swam on three winning relays and a second-place relay, became CSB’s first-ever champion in the event.
Morris (St. Cloud, Minn.) won the 200-yard backstroke with a school-record of 2:03.47, bettering her own mark of 2:03.90 in 2025. It is the second individual title for Morris at the 2026 MIAC Championship. Morris, who was also on three-winning relays, is CSB’s first 200-backstroke champion since 1999 (Gretchen Weber).
On the final day, Morris and Zelen, along with junior Jayda Alholm (Little Falls, Minn.) and first-year Anna Schottler (Chanhassen, Minn.) were part of CSB”s school record in the 400 freestyle relay, finishing second in 3:31.36, snapping the mark of 3.33.96 in 2022 (Jes Milstroh, Lindsay Smutka, Ana Birklid, Emi Wagner). In total, CSB won three relays at the championships and placed second in a fourth relay.
Schottler had another top four performance in the 100-freestyle, clocking 52.67 to place fourth and register a time that is third all-time at CSB.
First-year Josey Larson (Hastings, Minn.) placed sixth in the 200 butterfly, clocking 2:13.59 for a career-best mark and sixth all-time at CSB. Also in the 200 butterfly, first-year Izzy Green (Hastings, Minn.) was 12th in a season-best 2:22.92. First-year Madeline Tillman (St. Michael, Minn.) was 17th in the prelims and had a season-best 2:31.47.
Also in the 200 backstroke, senior Lauren Sitzman (Omaha, Neb.) was sixth in 2:09.70 with her time of 2:09.69, a career-best and the eighth-best time in school history. Also in that event, junior Claire Canfield (Waconia, Minn.) was 14th in 2:13.21 while sophomore Josie Thomas (St. Paul, Minn.) was 16th in 2:16.46 (2:14.53 in the prelims).
First-year Bella Kern (Delano, Minn.) was seventh in the 200 breaststroke by clocking 2:29.44, a career-best and a mark that ranks 10th in school history.
Senior Morgan Stout (Des Moines, Iowa) also secured points for CSB in the 1,650 freestyle, clocking 18:46.88 in placing 10th for seven points. First-year Maddie Brynda (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) was 17th in 19:21.74-while Green was 19th in the 1,650 free with a season-best of 19:27.16.
On the 3-meter board, junior Ella Kowalczyk (Minneapolis, Minn.) advanced to finals and placed eighth with 365.55 points to earn 11 points. Also, on the 3-meter board, sophomore Emma Netland (Moorhead, Minn.) was 10th at 305.70 and sophomore Abby Stevens (St. Cloud, Minn.), 11th, 261.50.
In the 200 backstroke, Canfield had a season-best in placing 17th with a time of 2:15.42 while Tillman was 19th at 2:19.33.
In the 100 freestyle, first-year Addie Marsolek (Lakeville, Minn.) was 17th in 56.00; Alholm,18th in 56.24; and first-year Lydia Jostock (Delano, Minn.), 19th in 56.89 – all season-bests. In the 200 breaststroke, senior Megan Bartels (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) was 17th in 2:36.46 while first-year Isabella Anderson (Austin, Texas) was 20th in 2:38.89. Tillman was 17th in the 200 butterfly in 2:31.47.
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.