The gap between the best team in Mid-American Conference, Akron, and Ohio was evident Saturday as the Zips cruised to a 193-106 dual-meet victory.
The Zips have won the last four MAC Championships; the last time the teams met in a dual-meet, Akron came out on top 167-133 in 2015.
For most of the team, this was the first-time swimming against other teams since the TYR Invitational due to the cancellation of the tri-meet Jan. 13 against Duquesne and Xavier.
Ohio showed its ability to be as good as Akron in the freestyle events by winning three of five races. In the 200-meter breaststroke, Mackenzie Hornstra finished in second but was six seconds back of the winner.
Emilia Lahtinen came second in the 100-yard breaststroke, though there was almost a three-second gap between Lahtinen and Akron’s Paloma Marrero, who has the fastest time in the conference.
Corrin Van Lanen continued her success in dual-meets by winning the 50- and 100-yard freestyles, along with the 100-yard butterfly.
Ohio swept the podium in the 500-yard freestyle, with Emily Zimcosky in first place for the first time this season. Hannah Schlegel was just over a second behind, and Mackenzie Caruthers followed in third.
Ryleigh Tuck-Macalla scored over 200 points for the first time this season, as well.
With Akron having the fastest swimmer in eight different events, it was a tall order for Ohio to win many races. The Bobcats ended up with eight second-place finishes.
Ohio's dual-meet season will wrap up with Marshall in a rare Friday night meet and Bowling Green on Sunday for Senior Day.
