Columbus, OH – Toledo started off the new year with a challenging dual meet at No. 20 Ohio State, where they fell to the Buckeyes, 168-64, in McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion.
 
"The Buckeyes are ranked No. 20 for a reason," said head coach Jonas Persson. "They are a very fast and well-coached team. I thought that we did a great job today and we had some close races. The team did an excellent job of sticking to our race plan and implementing it in the pool. I think competitions like this will prepare us for our conference competition."
 
"I thought our team leadership was great in today's tough match-up. Our co-captains, Rachael Hester and Allie Brinkhoff, led by example. They both executed their races well and had their best dual meets of the season," said Persson.
 
Junior Jessica Avery swam to a season-best time of 2:20.67 for a second-place finish in the 200 breast. Avery also placed second in the 100 breast with a time of 1:04.88, just one second slower than her season-fastest time.
 
"I thought Jess was our strongest Rocket in the water today and I was impressed with her performances in all of her events," said Persson.
 
New Rocket freshman Eduarda Sales (Santo Andre, Brazil) competed in her first meet for the Midnight Blue & Gold. Sales swam to a second-place finish in the 100 fly with a time of 58.47. She also posted a strong 50 fly time of 26.01 in the 200 medley relay.
 
"Eduarda had a fantastic first meet as a Rocket. Her 100 individual fly was great as well as her 50 fly in the 200 medley relay," said Persson.
 
Freshman Izzy Jones had a strong performance once again, placing third in the 200 free (1:57.85) and fifth in the 500 free (5:09.74).
 
"I was proud of Izzy's performance today. She applied herself in all of her races though she is getting over an illness," said Persson.
 
Juniors Maggie Hack and Allison Dicke placed second and third in the 100 free, respectively. Hack touched the wall at a time of 53.16, while Dicke recorded her best dual meet time of 54.00.
 
The Midnight Blue & Gold will host Akron on Saturday, Jan. 14 in its first home meet of the season. The contest is slated to begin at 1:00 p.m. in the UT Student Rec Center.