RIPON, Wis. -- The Ripon College swim and dive teams opened their 2025–26 season at home on Saturday afternoon, hosting Loras College in the Kohler Pool. Despite strong individual and relay performances, the Red Hawks came up just short, with the women falling 90-83 and the men dropping a 114-48 decision.

The Ripon women started the day on a high note, winning the 200 medley relay as senior Macey Manni (Magnolia Springs, Ala., The Charter School of San Diego), senior Gracy McCrery (Marion, Ohio, Harding HS), junior Lily McGuire (Crystal Lake, Ill., Crystal Lake South HS), and sophomore Sophia McCarthy (Green Lake, Wis., Green Lake HS) clocked a 2:15.46 to open the meet. Junior Ella Olive (Menominee, Mich., Marinette HS) added individual wins in both the 1000-yard freestyle (12:36.75) and the 100 breaststroke (1:16.86), while senior Natalie Weidner (Portage, Wis., Portage HS) led a 1–2 Ripon finish in the 500 free (5:56.51) and anchored the victorious 200 free relay (1:49.44).

On the men's side, senior Cooper Herr (Ashwaubenon, Wis., Ashwaubenon HS) had a standout meet, taking first in both the 100 freestyle (48.61) and the 100 breaststroke (1:05.91, while also finishing second in the 200 freestyle (1:51.09) in a tight race decided by just three hundredths of a second. Senior Sean Rath (Glen Ellyn, Ill., Glenbard West HS) also contributed points with a runner-up finish in the 500 freestyle (6:20.12).

Though the team results didn't go Ripon's way, both squads showed early-season promise and depth across multiple events.

The Red Hawks return to action on Saturday, Nov 1, when they travel to Monmouth College for the Monmouth Invite at 1 pm.