Meisner Leads Penn State to Victory Over Army in Dual Meet Sweep
The Penn State Nittany Lions capped off their final weekend of competition in dominant fashion, securing victories over Army-West Point in both the men’s and women’s dual meets on Friday evening. The wins marked Penn State’s first dual meet triumphs over Division I opponents in 2025, following tough battles against Northwestern, Princeton, and Virginia Tech earlier in the spring.
Men’s Recap: Strong Performances Power Nittany Lions to Victory
The Penn State men won 11 of 16 events, including both relays, setting the tone early with a tight victory in the 200 medley relay (1:25.30) before closing the meet in dominant fashion with a 1:19.67 win in the 200 free relay—2.8 seconds ahead of Army.
The Nittany Lions showcased their depth in the distance freestyle races, led by junior Eduardo Cisternas, a Chilean Olympian, who claimed wins in both the 200 free (1:35.93) and the 500 free (4:23.53). In the 200, Cisternas delivered a blistering 24.35 final 50 to surge past Army’s Thomas Hadji (1:36.08), knocking a second and a half off his lifetime best. His 500 free victory was more decisive, winning by over five seconds in a season-best performance.
Rylan Anselm added another key distance win, claiming the 1000 free in a personal-best 9:09.21, edging Army’s Brice Barrieault (9:09.87) by just six-tenths of a second. Anselm’s progression has been evident this season, with his four best career times all coming in 2025.
Army’s Standouts Keep the Meet Competitive
Despite Penn State’s strong showing, Army’s Johnny Crush continued his breakout freshman season, winning both the 100 back (46.12) and 200 back (1:44.02). He remains undefeated in the 100 backstroke this season but was edged in the 200 IM by teammate Alex Edwards, who won in 1:47.65. Edwards led an Army sweep of the event, with Crush taking second (1:49.32) and Kalvin Hahn finishing third (1:49.51).
Another highlight came in the 100 breaststroke, where a clash between two conference champions saw Army junior Kohen Rankin narrowly out-touch Penn State’s Mariano Lazzerini, 52.89 to 52.98. Rankin, a Patriot League champion and NCAA qualifier, showcased his sprinting prowess, but Lazzerini bounced back later in the meet, winning the 200 breaststroke in 1:55.42 over Hahn’s 1:57.15.
Elsewhere, Penn State’s Alex Karahalis took the 200 fly in 1:44.85, coming within three-tenths of his lifetime best. Army’s Owen Harlow secured a win in the 50 free (20.22), while Penn State’s Hayden Elliott swept the diving events to round out the men’s competition.
Women’s Recap: Meisner Dominates as Penn State Wins 10 Events
On the women’s side, Penn State claimed 10 of 16 events, led by a standout performance from junior Catherine Meisner, who won all three of her individual races. She touched first in the 100 free (49.85), the 200 free with a season-best 1:46.10, and the 200 IM in a lifetime-best 2:00.83. The 200 IM is a new addition to Meisner’s repertoire this season, and she has now raced it in all three of Penn State’s dual meets in 2025.
The Nittany Lions started strong in the relays, winning the 200 medley relay in 1:39.98—just .17 seconds off their season-best from the Ohio State Invitational. The squad of Ellie Brandbergh (backstroke), Audrey Cohen (breaststroke), Margaret Markvardt (butterfly), and Maura Fluehr (freestyle) put together a dominant performance, with Markvardt shifting from backstroke to fly and delivering a crucial 23.11 split.
Army answered back in the 200 free relay, as Angie McKane, Clara Williams, Meghan Cole, and Molly Weber combined for a winning time of 1:32.40, narrowly edging Penn State’s 1:32.59.
Markvardt’s Versatility and Army’s Standout Swims
Markvardt didn’t just shine in the medley relay—she continued her impressive night with wins in both the 100 breast (1:01.38, a new lifetime best) and the 100 fly (52.64). She capped off her performance with a 22.17 anchor leg in Penn State’s runner-up 200 free relay.
For Army, Molly Weber delivered a strong showing, posting season-bests in multiple events. She finished second in the 100 free (50.11) and 200 free (1:47.25) before winning the 500 free in 4:50.19.
Looking Ahead
Penn State’s victories over Army provided a strong confidence boost as both teams gear up for championship season. With Meisner leading the charge on the women’s side and Cisternas continuing to build momentum for the men, the Nittany Lions look well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Army’s standout performances, particularly from Crush, Rankin, and Weber, suggest they too will be formidable contenders as they approach conference competition.
For both programs, this meet was an opportunity to fine-tune performances and solidify lineups. As the season progresses, expect to see these athletes continue making an impact in the pool.