The swimming and diving team won their home meet last weekend on Saturday, Nov. 3 against University of Wisconsin Eau Claire 165-78.

The Wildcats have won four out of their five meets and came in second place in one.

Freshman Crystal Bennet said the team swam very well on Saturday and they pulled through and performed when they needed to, winning 12 out of the 13 events.

“In three of the 13 events we placed first, second and third which was really exciting,” Bennet said. “It was a good meet and we always enjoy swimming in front of our home crowd. Lots of families and friends always turn up to support us.”

Head coach Heidi Voigt said UW Eau Claire is a competitive team despite their showing on Saturday.

“I think they have graduated a strong senior class and may not have been as strong as they have been in the past, but Coach Art (Brandt) is very good, I expect them to be strong again,” Voigt said.

Bennet had only good things to say about the Blugolds and their attitude during the meet.

Despite the Blugold’s larger roster, the Wildcat’s still prevailed.

“The Blugolds had a larger team, but in the end they were unable to match our skills,” Bennet said. “They were very complimentary afterwards and had good sportsmanship.”

Voigt said the Wildcat’s season has been great so far and she is very happy with the team’s performance and dedication.

“We have done very well at home defeating Hillsdale and UW Eau Claire,” Voigt said. “We are swimming very well for this point and training hard.”

Bennet said the team has been swimming strongly and consistently throughout the season.

“The season has been going great so far,” Bennet said. “Heidi has been pushing us in training and it has been paying off because we are all seeing the results during these meets.”

Team chemistry is very important for success in athletics and Voigt said the swim team is no different.

“We have a wonderful team atmosphere,” Voigt said. “Everyone is on the same page, at practice everyday, everyone is ready to train and be the best we can be.”

From the perspective of a freshman, Bennet said the team is very close knit, and that the upperclassmen are very helpful and accepting.

“I’ve formed many new friendships on this team,” Bennet said. “We all get along and have our own little quirks but that’s what makes us work really well together. Everybody brings something special to the team. It makes training with these girls so much easier and enjoyable; there is never a dull moment with these Wildcats.”

Bennet said last week was hard on the team as a whole with a couple of the girls becoming sick or injured.

“We persevered and were able to finish the meet strong,” Bennet said. “This week we will just keep up our training, and work on the little things with our stroke technique.”

Voigt said the team has a few busy weekends coming up with some key meets.

“We have a big challenge next weekend,” Voigt said. “We are going up against some very strong teams, UW Milwaukee, MS-Mankato, U of South Dakota and UW Stevens Point. We need to stay sharp and keep racing strong.”

The Wildcats will be traveling out of state as they gear up to compete in the Border War Invite.

The meet will start at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9 and will be completed the following day, Saturday, Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. at Stevens Point, Wis.