The Columbia women’s swimming team impressed at home this past Saturday, defeating Wagner 143-58. The victory marked the Lions’ first dual meet win of the year and provides valuable momentum that the squad needs going into next week’s competition.

As the final point totals indicate, the meet was completely one-sided, with Columbia winning 10 of the 11 events. The Lions started the meet off on the right foot, taking the top two spots in the 200-yard medley relay. The relay team of freshman Lacey Harris-Coble, junior Mariele Dunn, senior Allison Hobbs, and freshman Bunge Okeyo finished first with a time of 1:50.90. Columbia would go on to sweep the next event, the 1,000-yard freestyle, as sophomore Paige Endsley, freshman Renee Brown, and sophomore Erin Kampschmidt took first, second, and third, respectively. After winning the third and fourth events, the Lions took the top three spots yet again in the 200-yard individual medley. However, the streak came to an end in the sixth event, when Wagner’s Jessica Hart edged out Columbia freshman Caroline Lukins for first place in the 200-yard butterfly. Hart also finished second in the 50-yard freestyle. The following event, the 100-yard freestyle, was another landslide victory for the Lions, as they swept once again. Columbia freshman Katie Meili, the first-place finisher, set a Wagner pool record in the event with a final time of 53.48. The Light Blue continued to post strong times for the remainder of the meet and cruised to victory.

While the impressive win merits celebration, there is still work to be done, as Columbia will swim on short rest against Ivy rival Penn. The last time these two teams met, the Lions edged out the Quakers on the road, 159-141. While Penn will surely be tough competition, Columbia is in a good position with a home pool advantage.

The meet against Penn will be held on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Uris Pool.