Women's Swimming and Diving | 09/10/2018

SEATTLE – University of Idaho women's swimming and diving student-athletes raised more than $11,000 for cancer research and trials through the Swim Across America event Saturday, in Seattle. All proceeds from the event support immunotherapy clinical trials and cancer research at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
 
The Vandals were awarded the College Cup for the second-consecutive year, given to the top-fundraising collegiate team. The honor earned the team a $5,000 matching contribution, bringing their total to $11,658. Donations are still being accepted HERE.
 
"It's great to be able to use our athletic talent for something other than wins and losses," said head coach Mark Sowa. "Swim Across America is such a great organization and we're honored to be a part of it. We look forward to kicking off our season this way each year."
 
The 10th Annual Swim Across America - Seattle Swim took place in Lake Washington. Participants of all ages can enter one of three open-water swims. The courses vary from a half mile, to one mile, to two miles. Idaho competed in the two-mile race. This is the fifth consecutive year the Vandals have participated.
 
Idaho student-athletes swam with names of family and friends affected by cancer written on their bodies. Each Vandal carried the name of former Vandal football student-athlete Jace Malek who passed away in 2016, as well as "Jess," a friend of the program who is currently fighting cancer.
 
Idaho senior Aileen Pannecoucke finished fifth overall and second among women in the two-mile open-water race. Pannecoucke finished the race in 41 minutes and 25 seconds. Fellow Vandals Sarah Hall and Natalie Crocker also finished in the top five on the women's side.
 
The Vandals begin their dual-meet season Oct. 13, at home against Boise State. It is the first of four home meets in October and November. All Idaho swimming and diving home meets take place at the U of I Swim Center and are free to attend.