KENOSHA -  The Carthage women's swim and dive team delivered a commanding performance against Illinois Institute of Technology, showcasing depth, consistency, and control from the opening relay through the final individual events. The Firebirds established momentum early and never relinquished it, using strong performances across distance freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, and diving to set the tone for the meet. Additionally, the Firebirds honored their 2025-26 seniors. 



Carthage 207, IIT 87



The Carthage women set the tone early and carried momentum throughout the meet with a series of first-place performances. The 200-yard medley relay team of Mikella Mesina, Jill Kane, Lois Klinger, and Lucy Brown opened the day with a victory, touching first in 1:54.65.

Distance events proved to be a major strength, as Brie Skalski captured first place in both the 1,000-yard freestyle (11:12.39) and the 500-yard freestyle (5:28.21). Carthage continued to control the pool with Emily Belcik winning the 200-yard freestyle (2:01.54) and later adding another top finish in the 100-yard freestyle (55.03).

In the breaststroke, Kane secured a win in the 100-yard event with a time of 1:11.71, while Klinger claimed first in the 200-yard butterfly (2:19.53). Skalski capped off her standout day with a victory in the 400-yard individual medley (4:55.25).

On the diving boards, Kendall Leistico dominated both events, winning the 3-meter dive with a score of 175.00 and the 1-meter dive with 167.75 points to round out an impressive team performance.


The Firebirds are back in action on Friday, January 23, traveling to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to take on the UW-Stevens Point Pointers. Action is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. For more information, visit our athletics.carthage.edu.