Photo by: Mike Mulholland
Scarlet Knights Swimmers Compete at Columbus Sectionals
Jul 20 | Women's Swimming & Diving
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Rutgers swimming had a number of strong performances in a high-level summer competition, the 2026 USA Swimming Summer Speedo Sectionals. Hosted at Ohio State University, seven current Scarlet Knights and two incoming swimmers were in action over the course of four days.
In the large-scale competition, Rutgers had five top-10 performances. That included two A Finals appearances, by team captains Ellie Schinsky and Ana Hazlehurst. On Saturday, Schinsky placed fourth in the 200 Butterfly with a time of 2:19.90. On Friday, Hazelhurst placed fifth in the 400 IM with a 5:00.13. Additionally, Isabella Valle placed ninth in the 800 Freestyle with a time of 9:26.23. Also in Saturday's 200 Butterfly, Hazlehurst placed 10th with a 2:24.11. On Sunday, Isabella Valle placed sixth in the 1500 Freestyle.
In addition to her fourth place finish on Saturday, Schinsky had two B Final appearances. She finished 15th in the 100 Butterfly and 20th in the 50 Butterfly. On Sunday, Hazlehurst placed 12th in the 200 IM.
Additional Scarlet Knight competitors included rising sophomores Tayla Smith, Casey Zentz and Ava Jurkiewicz. Rising senior Brooke Thompson had two top-35 placements. Newcomers Alexis Mesina and Mia Boccio also were in action. Messina with strong swims in the 200 Breaststroke (making the C Final, swimming a 2:40.85 for 22nd) and the 50 Breaststroke (24th) and 100 Breaststroke (25th).
In the large-scale competition, Rutgers had five top-10 performances. That included two A Finals appearances, by team captains Ellie Schinsky and Ana Hazlehurst. On Saturday, Schinsky placed fourth in the 200 Butterfly with a time of 2:19.90. On Friday, Hazelhurst placed fifth in the 400 IM with a 5:00.13. Additionally, Isabella Valle placed ninth in the 800 Freestyle with a time of 9:26.23. Also in Saturday's 200 Butterfly, Hazlehurst placed 10th with a 2:24.11. On Sunday, Isabella Valle placed sixth in the 1500 Freestyle.
In addition to her fourth place finish on Saturday, Schinsky had two B Final appearances. She finished 15th in the 100 Butterfly and 20th in the 50 Butterfly. On Sunday, Hazlehurst placed 12th in the 200 IM.
Additional Scarlet Knight competitors included rising sophomores Tayla Smith, Casey Zentz and Ava Jurkiewicz. Rising senior Brooke Thompson had two top-35 placements. Newcomers Alexis Mesina and Mia Boccio also were in action. Messina with strong swims in the 200 Breaststroke (making the C Final, swimming a 2:40.85 for 22nd) and the 50 Breaststroke (24th) and 100 Breaststroke (25th).
Players Mentioned
Fly/IM
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Breast
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Back/Fly
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Free
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Free
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Free
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