MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict swim and dive team turned in a strong showing Friday and Saturday at the First Chance Meet, posting three top-eight finishes at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center.
CSB’s best relay performance came in the 400 medley, where the quartet of first-year Kelsey Gillman (Hutchinson, Minn.), sophomore Millie Pratt (Hopkins, Minn.), sophomore Autumn Larson (Baxter, Minn.) and sophomore Ava Niksich (Hermantown, Minn.) touched the wall in 4:31.21 to place sixth overall. The Bennies also placed seventh in the 400 free relay as Maddie Modjeski (Winona, Minn.), Niksich, Josey Jackson (Mandan, N.D.) and Pratt combined for a time of 3:54.69.
Individually, Modjeski led CSB with an eighth-place finish in the 500 freestyle, clocking 5:39.51, while Larson followed close behind in 10th at 5:42.53. Modjeski also recorded a season-best time of 1:02.99 in the 100 backstroke to finish 16th and added an 11th-place showing in the 200 backstroke (2:19.62).
Jackson placed 12th in the 200 individual medley with a time of 2:27.77. Niksich earned a 12th-place finish in the 200 backstroke at 2:23.35, while junior Emma Neely (Milaca, Minn.) placed 15th in the same event in 2:28.64. Neely also competed in the 500 freestyle, finishing 14th with a time of 6:05.51.
Next for CSB squad is the MIAC Championships which run from Feb. 11-14 in Minneapolis.
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.