CANTON, Ohio- The Mount Union women's swimming and diving team began the 2016-17 season with a non-conference victory, as they defeated Malone, 126-87, Friday night.

Leading the Purple Raiders were sophomore Lauren Oktavec (Brunswick/Brunswick) and freshman Elise Pichola (Rocky River/Rocky River) who each won three events on the night. 

Oktavec won the 200 yard freestyle (2:06.13), and the 100 yard backstroke while Pichola won the 100 yard freestyle (56.37) and the 50 yard freestyle (25.58). Oktavec and Pichola were both included in the 200 yard medley relay along with sophomore Regina Saxon (Hudson/Hudson) and junior Jessica Hirsh (Bethel Park, Pa./Bethel Park) (1:55.15). Hirsh also won the 100 yard butterfly (1:03.12).

Junior Dana Lautenschleger (Solon/Solon) also had two first place finishes. One in the 1000 yard freestyle (10:57.36) and the other in 500 yard freestyle (5:22.31)

Mount Union travels to Hiram tomorrow, Oct 22 at 1pm to take on the Terriers.