Marian Swim & Dive Shines With Second-Place Finish at the MHSAA Division 3 State Finals

The Marian Mustangs capped off an exceptional season with a dominant performance at the MHSAA Division 3 State Finals, securing a second-place team finish and reaffirming their place as one of Michigan's premier swim and dive programs. The meet, held at the Holland Aquatic Center, showcased Marian's depth, competitive grit, and season-long commitment to excellence under head coach Alex Margherio.

The Mustangs entered the meet with strong momentum after placing second at the CHSL Championship, and they carried that intensity onto the state's biggest stage. From explosive relay finishes to clutch individual performances, Marian consistently battled in championship heats, delivering one of the most complete postseason efforts in program history.

"Our girls showed incredible focus and heart," said Coach Margherio. "They stepped up in every race, supported one another, and represented Marian with pride. A runner-up finish at the state meet is a reflection of their work ethic and belief in each other."

Top Performances & Podium Highlights

State Runner-Up — 200 Freestyle Relay

Marian earned a silver medal in the 200 Freestyle Relay, powered by
Cece Grace (10), Lila Solomon (9), Peyton Rehbine (12), and Catherine Howe (10), stopping the clock at 1:37.43.

State Runner-Up — 500 Freestyle

Stella Glorio (11) delivered a remarkable performance, finishing 2nd in the 500 Freestyle with a time of 5:10.58, one of the fastest in the division.

Full Marian Results – MHSAA D3 State Finals

Relays

200 Medley Relay
• DQ — Murphey (10), Solomon (9), Rehbine (12), Grace (10)

200 Freestyle Relay
• 2nd — 1:37.43
Grace (10), Solomon (9), Rehbine (12), Howe (10)

Individual Events

200 Freestyle

• Glorio — 1:59.43 (7th)

50 Freestyle

• Howe - 23.85 (4th, Finals)
• Grace - 24.20 (5th, Finals)
• Solomon — 24.50 (9th, B Final)
• Cooper — 25.92 (Prelims)

1-Meter Diving

• Critchfield — 215.65 (17th, Semifinals)

100 Butterfly

• Rehbine — 59.91 (11th, B Final)
• Murphey — 1:00.95 (14th)
• Najarian — 1:05.37 (Prelims)

200 Individual Medley

• Dery — 2:13.95 (5th)
• Berishaj — 2:14.06 (7th)
• Rehbine — 2:20.35 (16th, B Final)
• Stempien — 2:21.21 (Prelims)

100 Freestyle

• Howe — 52.24 (4th)
• Grace — 53.83 (7th)

500 Freestyle

• Glorio — 5:10.58 (2nd)
• Berishaj — 5:20.58 (7th)
• Stempien — 5:30.20 (14th, B Final)
• Luxon — 5:50.09 (Prelims)

100 Backstroke

• Murphey — 1:01.01 (13th, B Final)
• Dery — 1:01.67 (16th, B Final)

100 Breaststroke

• Batey — 1:14.12 (33rd)
• Leith — 1:15.04 (39th)
• Locricchio — 1:15.36 (40th)

MSD State Team Roster

Natalie Batey
Simona Berishaj
Loghan Cooper
Megan Critchfield
Grace Dery
Stella Glorio
Cece Grace
Catherine Howe
Berkley Leith
Vita Locricchio
Cam Luxon
Malin Murphey
Ali Najarian
Aren Saroukhanian
Peyton Rehbine
Lila Solomon
Kate Stempien
Emma Truza
Avery Williams

Nearly every athlete contributed to Marian's scoring surge—through A-finals, B-finals, critical prelims, and relays that kept the Mustangs in podium position from start to finish.

Final Standing

Marian — 228 points (State Runner-Up)

This year's performance ranks among the program's strongest in recent memory and reflects the continued rise of Marian Swim & Dive.

"This group created something special," Margherio added. "They pushed each other, held each other accountable, and swam for the name on their cap. I couldn't be prouder of what they accomplished."

With a talented core returning and a culture built on consistency, leadership, and competitive fire, the Mustangs look forward to building on this milestone season.

Congratulations to the Marian Swim & Dive Team on an exceptional year. Go Mustangs!