The Hillsdale College women's swimming and diving team made a big step up in competition on Friday night, going up a division to take on MAC squad Bowling Green State in a road dual meet.

As expected against a strong opponent from the highest classification in the sport, top finishes came few and far between for the Chargers, who still benefited from getting to race the strongest opponent they'll see all season and compete against extremely high-level swimmers.

One Charger who had notable success was senior Megan Clifford, who earned Hillsdale's only event win by taking first in the 500 freestyle in a solid time of 5:12.16. Clifford also placed third in the 100 butterfly in a time of 57.81, and swam on a runner-up 200 freestyle relay with senior Elise Mason and freshmen Matilyn Wilhelmsen and Ella Schafer that finished in 1:42.70.

Mason also held her own against the Falcons, placing second in the 1,650 freestyle with a time of 17:55.5, and Lucia Ruchti earned a third place finish in the 50 backstroke, completing the race in 28.58.

Hillsdale has one of only two home meets on the season next Saturday, as the Chargers host G-MAC rival Findlay as well as Lewis for a double-dual. The meet also will be Senior Day for Hillsdale, and an important measuring stick as the winter break fast approaches.