Women's Swimming | 1/22/2026 10:00:00 AM

January 23 and 24 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Jared L. Cohon University Center

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The Saint Francis Red Flash women's swimming team will travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this weekend to compete in the Western PA Invitational. The two-day meet will take place on Friday and Saturday at the Jared L. Cohon University Center, serving as the Red Flash's final competition before the NEC Championships.

OPPONENTS AT A GLANCE:
The Western PA Invitational will once again feature a deep regional field, including several familiar programs from last season. Duquesne Dukes return after posting multiple top finishes a year ago, while Carnegie Mellon Tartans bring depth across relays and individual events.

The field also includes Grove City Wolverines, Saint Vincent Bearcats, and Chatham Cougars, all of whom contributed multiple entries and competitive finishes throughout last year's meet.

Returning to the invitational this season, the Pittsburgh Panthers will join the field, adding a Power Five presence and elevating the level of competition for the Red Flash as they prepare for postseason racing.

BACK IN THE POOL: LAST YEAR AT WESTERN PA:
At last season's Western PA Invitational, the Saint Francis Red Flash turned in a strong, well-rounded performance across both days of competition. The Red Flash opened the meet with a third-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle relay, as the A relay of Sara Turner, Katie Webster, Taylor Weth, and Anna Bernasconi posted a time of 1:39.09, setting an early tone against a deep field.

Saint Francis continued to make an impact in individual events, highlighted by multiple top-five finishes throughout the weekend. Sara Turner delivered consistent results across freestyle and individual medley events, while Reegan Brown earned a top-five finish in the 200-yard individual medley. In distance races, the Red Flash showed depth with several swimmers placing inside the top group of the 500-yard freestyle, gaining valuable points and experience.

The momentum carried into Saturday, where Saint Francis closed the meet strongly. The Red Flash captured first place in the 200-yard medley relay, with the A relay finishing atop the field, while the B relay added a third-place result. Additional top-five finishes came in freestyle events from Kathryn Tanis, Maura Rubio, and Morgan Moniz, as the team showcased balance across sprint and middle-distance races.

PREVIOUS ACTION:
Saint Francis last competed at a tri-meet against Howard University and Virginia Military Institute on January 16 in Lexington, Virginia. The Red Flash opened the meet with strong relay efforts and continued to race consistently across all events throughout the afternoon. Saint Francis used the meet as an important late-season opportunity to gain race experience, test lineups, and build momentum as the team continued preparations for postseason competition.

UP NEXT:
After the Western PA Invitational, the Red Flash will be off from competition until the NEC Championships in late February. The invitational marks the team's final meet of the regular season and its last competition as a member of the NEC Conference. 

COACHING THE FLASH:
Head coach Phil Hurley enters his sixth season leading the Red Flash, bringing more than 15 years of collegiate coaching experience to the program. Under Hurley's direction, Saint Francis has consistently produced NEC podium finishes, strong performances at invitational meets, and sustained academic success, reflecting a balanced approach to competitive and personal development.

Working alongside Hurley is assistant coach Carrie Robinson, who is in her first season with the Red Flash. Robinson joined Saint Francis following a successful two-year tenure at St. Lawrence University, where she helped guide swimmers to personal-best performances, conference finalist finishes, and program records. A former collegiate swimmer and team captain at Hiram College, she adds valuable experience across multiple strokes to Hurley's staff.