Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Missouri State University
Salukis Open Season With Women’s Win, Men’s Loss
10/03/2026 | 3:39:00 | Swimming & Diving, Swimming & Diving
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois swimming and diving opened the 2026-27 season Friday at Shea Natatorium against Missouri State, with the Saluki women closing the first day on a 98-68 victory and the men falling to the Bears 93-74. Southern wrapped up its season-opening meet Saturday with a 199-152 victory over Missouri State. The men scored 157 points while the Bears posted 196.
Friday
Southern Illinois opened the first competition of the season with wins in the women's 200-yard freestyle relay. Hana Beqi, Idil Kumasdere, Lojy Moussa and Ava Rines took first, while Adrianna Hudnall, Sara Osthelder, Ellie Shaw and Madalyn Booker finished third.
On the men's side, Benedek Andor, Rodrigo Ramos, Dominik Kaiser and Carter Ruthven captured first, while Brook Flagg, Rocco Overton, Michael Morrow and Hazem Aboustate finished third.
Liseska Gallegos took first in the 200-yard individual medley, while Juraj Barcot finished third.
Southern Illinois continued its strong start with Madalyn Booker taking first in the 100-yard breaststroke. Livia Nagy and Ozgur Yonca followed with first-place finishes in the 500-yard freestyle. Gallegos added another victory in the 200-yard backstroke, while Ava Rines and Rodrigo Ramos each captured first in the 100-yard freestyle.
The Salukis closed the swimming events with a first-place finish in the women's 400-yard medley relay, as Livia Nagy, Madalyn Booker, Liseska Gallegos and Ava Rines teamed up for the victory.
In diving, Lucas Lauzon won the men's three-meter competition with 320.10 points, earning a Zone Championships qualifying score. Oliver Mebs finished second with 313.35 points.
Saturday
Southern Illinois continued on Saturday with another strong showing in the pool, opening the day with a first-place finish in the 200-yard medley relay. Liseska Gallegos, Madalyn Booker, Lojy Moussa and Ava Rines teamed up for the win.
Livia Munkacsi and Ozgur Yonca each added first-place finishes in the 100-meter freestyle, before Ava Rines returned with a victory in the 50-yard freestyle.
Gallegos continued her strong weekend with wins in both the 100-yard backstroke and 100-yard butterfly. In the final individual event of the meet, Livia Munkacsi-Nagy took first in the 400-yard individual medley.
The Salukis closed the swimming competition with first-place finishes in both the women's and men's 400-yard freestyle relays. Idil Kumasdere, Adrianna Hudnall, Hana Beqi and Ava Rines combined to win the women's relay, while Dominik Kaiser, Carter Ruthven, Hazem Aboustate and Rodrigo Ramos took first on the men's side.
In diving, Lucas Lauzon closed the competition with a first-place finish in the men's one-meter event with 306.38 points.
Head coach Geoff Hanson said, "Overall, a great effort by this young team. We had many of our upperclassmen leaders step up and huge contributions from our newcomers all weekend. Lots to work on, but lots to be proud of from our first weekend of the competition season."
Up Next
Southern Illinois will return to action Oct. 16-17 at Northern Iowa. The Salukis will compete at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, before returning to the pool at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.
Follow the Salukis
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the swim and dive teams by following the them on X at @SIU_SwimDive, on Instagram at @siu_swimdive, and on Facebook at facebook.com/SIUSwimDive. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
