INDIANA, Pa. – The IUP swimming and diving teams opened the 2026-27 season with a strong showing Friday, holding the Odd Distance Intra-Squad meet at Pidgeon Natatorium and Zink Pool.

The Crimson Hawks competed in a unique slate of 24 events, featuring 25-, 75- and 175-yard races along with 125-yard individual medleys, partner relays and one-meter diving. Gray edged Crimson, 190-172, in the final combined team standings.

On the women's side, Kasha Stokes opened the meet with a victory in the 75-yard backstroke, touching the wall in 43.48. Kaleese Jallow later won the 75 freestyle in 40.82, while Gem Crittenden took the 25 butterfly in 12.21.

Benedetta Bellini earned a pair of individual victories, winning the 175 freestyle in 1:46.35 before taking the 125 individual medley in 1:22.97. Natalie Noll also collected multiple wins, taking the 25 backstroke in 13.07 and the 75 butterfly in 42.78.

Summer Esson touched first in the women's 75 breaststroke at 51.60, while Tina Cudina won the 25 freestyle in 11.70. Ellie Speer added a victory in the 25 breaststroke with a time of 16.00.

The IUP men also produced several strong performances in their first competition of the season. Ethan Woycehoski won the 75 backstroke, while Jeffrey McArthur touched first in the 75 freestyle. Trent Powell swept the butterfly events, winning the 25 in 10.57 and the 75 in 37.87.

Patrik Kudla also collected multiple victories, taking the 25 breaststroke in 12.44 and the 75 breaststroke in 44.83. Casey Kupka won the 175 freestyle in 1:35.36, while Gabe Martin took the 25 backstroke in 12.72.

Zen Schaetzle earned the win in the 25 freestyle with a time of 10.03, and Riley Yute captured the 125 individual medley in 1:10.75.

The meet concluded with diving competition. Freshman Aubrey Kauffman won the women's one-meter event with 197.47 points, while Jeremiah Laslavic led the men's competition with a score of 280.80.