The Northern Michigan University men’s and women’s swim and dive team returned from winter break ready for action. This weekend at the PEIF Pool, with the men edged out UW–Stevens Point 133–128 and the women rolled to a 185–75 victory as both sides continue to build toward the GLIAC Championships.
After UW–Stevens Point was unable to host, NMU stepped in to hold the meet in Marquette, a transition head coach Heidi Voigt said the program handled seamlessly.
“We were pivoted when Stevens Point couldn’t host, but thanks to the support from our athletic staff, we were able to make it happen,” Voigt said. “It ended up being a really good weekend for us.”
On the women’s side, NMU controlled the meet from start to finish, setting the tone early by sweeping the top four spots in the opening 200 medley relay and continuing to dominate across the pool and on boards.
“This was one of those meets where athletes could mix things up and try different events,” Voigt said. “That’s important right now with conference coming up so quickly.”
One of the top performances of the day came from Kenzie Stute, earning gold in the 200 backstroke and 200 IM while also contributing a silver as part of the 200-medley relay team. Kalina Ceglinski also placed well after claiming gold in both the 1-meter and 3-meter diving events.
“She’s in the pool all the time, putting in the work day in and day out,” Voigt said of Ceglinski. “Her level this year has been really fun to watch, and she’s been incredibly connected to this team and to NMU athletics.”
Phini Schneider added 13 points for the women with a win in the 500 freestyle, while Evie DeCarlo and Annika Geyer each contributed 12 points as the Wildcats continuously swept podiums in multiple events and showcased depth throughout the lineup.
The men’s meet came down to the final events, with NMU narrowly outscoring UW–Stevens Point behind strong individual performances and relay depth.
“These kinds of close meets are valuable,” Voigt said. “They force you to stay locked in and race, even when you’re tired.”
Matteo Ballardin and Daniel Khmara led the men with 18 points apiece. Ballardin swept the 100 and 200 breaststroke, while Khmara claimed gold in both the 100 and 200 freestyle. Furthering the fight, Alessandro Rosatelli earned 13 points with a win in the 200 IM.
NMU made an early statement in the men’s meet by sweeping first, second, and third in the opening 200 medley relay, setting the tone for a back-and-forth competition that ultimately landed in the Cat’s favor.
As both teams now enter the final phase of preparation, Voigt emphasized patience and trust in the process as some athletes begin to taper.
“This is always the harder week,” Voigt said. “Some athletes are starting to rest, their bodies are adjusting, and it can feel uncomfortable. The work is in, now it’s just about fine-tuning.”
With conference championships just two weeks away, the Wildcats leave the weekend with momentum, confidence, and a clear focus on postseason goals.
“You always want to be a GLIAC champion,” Voigt said. “It’s our 18 versus their 18 at conference, and we’ve just got to go take it to them.”
You can catch the wildcats one last time before their championship meet this coming Saturday January 24th on their senior night against Lake Superior State at 1pm.
