WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Catholic University women's swimming and diving fell to a tough Division I foe in American University in their first meet of the 2023-24 season on Saturday afternoon. The Cardinals scored 73 points to the Eagles 137. 

Junior Kathryn O'Hara got going early with a first-place finish in event three, the 200-yard freestyle. She finished her last 50 yards in 20.78 seconds to record a final time of 1:57.26.

Freshman Tara Wiarda made her collegiate debut with a win in the 100-yard backstroke. She was over a second faster than her closest competitor and posted a time of 1:00.25.

The 100-yard breaststroke was the best event for the Cardinals. Sophomore Bella Mugno placed first with a time of 1:10.47 followed by her teammate Grace Kelly who swam a 1:11.72. Angele Parral was right behind them with a final time of 1:14.14.
 
16 different Cardianls swam in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Katie Herman, Emily Albans, Wiarda and Kelly combine to post a time of 1:41.41 and earn first place. Albans recorded the fastest split with a 25.20. 

Catholic returns to the pool on October 14 for a Landmark Conference meet against Drew in Madison, New Jersey.