News Summary

The University of Pennsylvania women’s swimming and diving team achieved a significant victory at the Big Al Invitational, outpacing Princeton and Columbia. With 1,587 points, the Quakers showcased exceptional talent and teamwork across various events, breaking multiple program records. Key performances included Sydney Bergstrom’s first place in the 1,650 Freestyle and Kate Levensten’s contributions in the 200 Backstroke. As the team prepares for the Ivy League Championships, their success serves as a testament to their dedication and the impact they have on the local community.

Penn Women’s Swimming Dominates Big Al Invitational

Quakers secure team title with impressive records and performances

Philadelphia, PA — The University of Pennsylvania women’s swimming and diving team has showcased their prowess at the Big Al Invitational, concluding with a resounding victory at Princeton’s DeNunzio Pool. Over the course of three exhilarating days, the Quakers amassed a total of 1,587 points, placing them ahead of host Princeton, who finished with 1,260.50 points, and Columbia, securing third place with 737.50 points. This triumph highlights the team’s considerable skill and depth, positioning them favorably as they gear up for the Ivy League Championships.

In an impressive display of athletic excellence, several athletes within the Quakers’ team not only secured top spots in various events but also established new program records. The competition, held from December 3-5, 2025, provided a platform for both individual and collective achievements, reinforcing the team’s commitment to skill growth and competitive spirit. The success at this event promises to motivate the team as they continue their season in the ever-competitive Ivy League landscape.

Key Performances

The standout athletes during the Invitational demonstrated exceptional talent across multiple events:

• 1,650 Freestyle: Senior Sydney Bergstrom clinched first place with a remarkable time of 16:09.74, closely followed by her fellow senior Anna Moehn, who clocked in at 16:11.18.
• 200 Backstroke: Junior Kate Levensten dominated this event, winning with a time of 1:55.22, marking her second title of the weekend.
• 100 Individual Medley: Sophomore Amy Qin took home the gold with a quick 55.32 seconds, also finishing second in the 50-yard butterfly.

Record-Breaking Achievements

The Quakers set multiple program records throughout the Invitational, further showcasing their commitment to excellence:

• 100 Backstroke: Levensten made history as the first Penn swimmer to break the 52-second barrier, achieving a time of 52.77 seconds in the preliminaries and 52.87 seconds in the finals.
• 200 Medley Relay: The team of Qin, Handley, Hu, and Fu set a new program record with a stellar performance, finishing with a time of 1:39.00.

Team Highlights

The Invitational not only highlighted individual achievements but also the overall strength and cohesiveness of the team:

• 200 Butterfly: Senior Joy Jiang qualified for the NCAA with an impressive time of 1:58.48.
• 100 Free: Sophomore Kayla Fu finished strong in third place with a time of 49.78 seconds.
• 200 Breaststroke: Sophomore Meredith Holcomb secured fourth place with a time of 2:15.33.

Approaching Ivy League Championships

The Quakers’ outstanding display at the Big Al Invitational bodes well as they prepare for the upcoming Ivy League Championships. With a robust combination of talent and teamwork, the team’s performance reinforces their status as a formidable contender. The dedication and hard work exhibited by these athletes not only enhance their own competitive edge but also inspire their peers and the wider Penn community.

Community and Economic Impact

The success of the women’s swimming and diving program contributes positively to Philadelphia’s higher education landscape. As these athletes hone their skills, they also cultivate a spirit of leadership and collaboration within the community. This engagement not only fosters school pride but also amplifies the economic impact of university athletics in the region, encouraging local youth to pursue sports and academic excellence.

Conclusion

The University of Pennsylvania women’s swimming and diving team’s remarkable accomplishments at the Big Al Invitational emphasize their commitment to excellence in athletics. These achievements serve as a reminder of the importance of discipline and teamwork in both sports and academia. As the Quakers look toward the Ivy League Championships, the community can be proud of their local teams and the role they play in promoting educational and athletic pursuits.

Readers are encouraged to explore more about the University of Pennsylvania’s athletic programs and to attend upcoming events to support the Quakers as they continue to pursue excellence in swimming and diving.

FAQ

• What was the outcome of the Big Al Invitational for the University of Pennsylvania women’s swimming and diving team? The team clinched the team title with a total of 1,587 points, finishing ahead of Princeton and Columbia.
• Who were the standout performers at the Invitational? Notable performances included Sydney Bergstrom in the 1,650 Freestyle, Kate Levensten in the 200 Backstroke, and Amy Qin in the 100 Individual Medley.
• Did any swimmers set records during the event? Yes, Kate Levensten broke the 100 Backstroke program record, and the 200 Medley Relay team set a new program record as well.
• What upcoming event is the Penn women’s swim team preparing for? The team is gearing up for the Ivy League Championships.
• How does the women’s swimming and diving program impact the local community? Their success fosters school pride and encourages youth involvement in sports and academic excellence.

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