UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University swimming and diving program opened the 2025–26 season in dominant fashion, sweeping Alma College on Friday evening at the Gerstacker Regional Aquatic Center. The Cardinals earned a 170–63 victory on the women's side and a 188–45 win for the men. Rory Kauffman (DeWitt, Mich. / DeWitt HS) broke the pool record from 2016 with his 3-meter six-dives with a score of 315.15.

SVSU captured first place in 25 of the 26 events, led by returning standouts Lexi Hieber (Wixom, Mich. / Walled Lake Western HS), Samantha Fowler (Wellington, New Zealand / St. Hildas School), and A'lmos Szedlak (Pomaz, Hungary / Stamina TK). Several others impressed earning wins, including Livia Czata, Alvaro Rodriguez, Ella DesJean , and Mya Ketel, with Czata and Ketel performing well in their collegiate debuts.

Hieber claimed the 200-yard freestyle (1:55.66) and 500-yard freestyle (5:07.77), while Fowler took the 200-yard individual medley (2:10.30) and finished second in the 500 free (5:10.86). Ketel opened her SVSU career with a win in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:09.14), and DesJean helped the Cardinals' 200-yard medley relay team to first place in 1:52.15. On the men's side, Rodriguez won both the 1000-yard freestyle (10:21.46), while Nathan Walker took first in the 200-yard IM (1:53.80). Lyon Hall also claimed the 100-yard freestyle in 46.62 seconds.

SVSU's diving squad had a big day with Layla Winklepleck earning wins on both the 1-meter (234.40) and 3-meter (226.15) boards, and Kauffman sweeping the men's events with scores of 286.35 and record-breaking 315.15

Head coach Jason Lintjer had this to say after the opening meet,

"We have 20 newcomers this year, so it was awesome to see all of our freshmen and transfers compete for the first time. I think we all competed really well for the first meet of the season. The biggest highlight was Rory breaking the pool record for 3 meter. He's an absolute monster"

Up Next: Saginaw Valley swimming and diving hits the road and heads to Holland, Michigan on Saturday, October 11. The team competes against Grand Valley State, Hope, and McKendree at the Holland Aquatic Center at 10:45 AM.