The Villanova Wildcats women’s swimming and diving team defeated Rutgers, 150.5-149.5 Friday night. Villanova totaled 10 first-place finishes, just enough to squeak out the win over Rutgers. 

Junior Milly Routledge was a big contributor in the victory. Routledge came in first in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:50.76 and 100-yard freestyle with a time of 51.19. She also added a second-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 23.72. Senior Bridie Dunn was also a critical part of the Wildcats victory, winning the 3m and 1m dives. Freshman Kaitlin Gravell came in first in the 200-yard backstroke with a time of 2:21.23 and 200-yard IM with a time of 2:06.31.

In the distance events, sophomore Nicole Welch made her presence felt. She finished first in the 1,000-yard freestyle with a time of 10:09.21 and the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 4:56.78. In the 200-yard medley relay, Villanova came in second place with a time of 1:45.19. 

Senior Tarryn Ellis, sophomore Abbey Berloco and junior Rayann Jaryszak placed third in the 200 butterfly, 100 freestyle, and 200 IM, respectively. 

Villanova’s next meet will be Jan. 24 at Richmond.