The UConn women’s swim and dive team dove into the 2025-2026 season on Friday, hosting their Big East rival Villanova at the Wolff-Zackin Natatorium for their home opener. The meet marked an early test for the Huskies, who looked to build on last year’s momentum against one of the conference’s strongest programs.
UConn finished second in the Big East last season behind Villanova for the regular season.
The Huskies fought a tough battle, however the Wildcats claimed 11 event victories to secure a 186.5–113.5 win, while UConn still saw standout performances from several swimmers and divers, signaling plenty of promise for the season ahead.
The Wildcats handed the Huskies their first loss of the season, taking them down by a score of 186.5-113.5.
Villanova won 11 of the events on Friday night.
Despite the loss, two Huskies finished with high points in the top three.
Sophomore Jessica Sheng achieved the high point of the meet with sophomore Sydney Perkins coming in third place.
Sheng finished with two gold and two silver medals while Perkins picked up another two gold and a silver medal for the Huskies.
Villanova’s medal leaders were Kayla Bolster, Martina Lonati and Anna Farley, each winning two golds, a silver and a bronze for the Wildcats.
In the 1M diving, Kate Cooper won with a score of 246.08 taking gold for UConn, while Olivia Denery placed second with a score of 238.05.
If the Huskies can hold it down on the boards, they’ll have a great outlook for the season.
For the races, Sheng won the 50 Free by a time of 23.44, along with the 100 Free with a time of 51.20. The Wildcats set the tone early on and didn’t look back.
In the 100 breast, Sydney Perkins took gold with a time of 1:03.09 and Kylie Kiefer took bronze with a time of 1:05.69.
Bella Hoffman placed second for the Huskies in the 200 back with a time of 2:04.76.
The Wildcats swept the floor in the 200 IM, taking all four of the top spots.
Although the Huskies were bested by Villanova on the stat sheet, the Wildcats are the team to beat in the Big East.
The 100 fly featured two Wildcats in the top spots with three Huskies, Maggie Rhodes, Ella Epes and Stella McCardie, finishing behind them.
Norah Rome took second for UConn in the 500 free with a time of 5:06.73.
Husky freshman Lydia Gonzalez finished with her personal best in the 200 fly with a time of 2:06.48.
Although the Huskies couldn’t come away with a victory, Friday’s opener showcased the team’s potential against a tough opponent. Jessica Sheng and Sydney Perkins led the way with multiple podium finishes, while Kate Cooper’s strong showing on the boards highlighted UConn’s diving abilities. With key contributors already in midseason form and younger athletes showing improvement, the Huskies have plenty to build on moving forward this season.
UConn will look to bounce back and capture its first win of the year when it faces Rhode Island on Nov. 1.