The U.S. national swimming team competed against Australia in the Mutual of Ohama Duel in the Pool on April 6. The United States easily defeated its competitors from down under, beating them 196-74 and taking 21 of the 26 races.

Villanova was represented in the competition by senior superstar Maddy Crippen. Crippen, who has been a leader for the ‘Cats in and out of the pool, competed in the 400 LC Meter Individual Medley. Crippen captured fourth place in the race to pick up a point for the United States.

Crippen got off to a slow start, as she quickly fell to last place after one lap. However, after the second lap Crippen rebounded and was in fourth. That didn’t last long, as once again Crippen found herself in last place after the third lap. But in the final lap Crippen mustered up all she had and was able to overcome Aussie Jessica Abbott by half a second to claim fourth.

Crippen, who finished with a time 4:50.37, was just eight and half seconds off the lead, which was captured by fellow American Katilin Sandeno. Sandeno was able to hold off Aussie Jennifer Reilly, who finished second, and American Maggie Bowen, who finished third.

‘Nova will likely miss Crippen when she graduates this May, considering all the success she had brought to Main Line in her years as a Wildcat. Though Crippen has made some high water marks on the National and Olympian scenes, Crippen has left some records in the Villanova books that will be tough to break.

After redshirting the 1999-2000 season because she was training for the Summer Olympics in Australia, Crippen made waves in the Big East in 2000-2001 season. Along with winning Big East titles in the 500-yard freestyle, 400-yard individually medley and the 200-yard backstroke, Crippen was named the Big East Conference Most Outstanding Female Swimmer of the year. Then in 2001-2002 season Crippen again won three title Big East titles. Though during her senior year Crippen concentrated most of her time in getting ready for nationals, she was still able to win a Big East title.

Even though fans won’t be able to watch her race for Villanova next year, they can tune in to watch her compete against the worlds best in the Olympics for years to come.