Dogies build momentum at Buffalo pre-invite
With just one competition on the slate, the Newcastle girls made a trip to Buffalo count against a four-team field in the Bison’s “Pre-Invite” that offered a useful mid-October measuring stick.
“The team worked hard and competed well in Buffalo,” head coach Doug Scribner said after the Dogies finished fifth with 97 points behind Buffalo (339), Cody (268), Douglas (228) and Worland (208).
Sophomore Allie Lunstra supplied the headline swims. She won the 100 freestyle in a season-best 1:00.99 and returned to take second in the 100 backstroke at 1:09.89.
“Allie Lunstra was able to have a season-best time in the 100 free and came away the top placer in that event,” Scribner said. “Allie was also able to come away with a second-place finish in the 100 backstroke.”
Newcastle also closed the meet with one of its best relay efforts of the season.
“Despite being tired, the relay team of Madalyn Francis, Allie Lunstra, Shelby Smith and Macy Steber were able to dig in for the last relay placing third in that event,” Scribner said. The quartet clocked 4:43.66 in the 400 free relay to secure podium points.
The Dogies also stacked time drops across the lineup. Lunstra trimmed nearly a second in her winning 100 free, freshman Natalie Dean shed 1.51 seconds in the 50 free, and junior Madalyn Francis cut just over two seconds in the 100 back.
“This will give the team a look at what state will be like in a few short weeks,” Scribner said.
Dogie Results (Buffalo Pre-Invite, Oct. 10, 2025)
- Team — 5th, 97 points (Buffalo 339, Cody 268, Douglas 228, Worland 208, Newcastle 97)
- 200 Medley Relay — 6th, 2:31.44 (Francis, Steber, Lunstra, Dean)
- 200 Free — Shelby Smith, 6th, 2:37.91
- 50 Free — Macy Steber, 9th, 30.11; Natalie Dean, 25th, 42.08
- 1-Meter Diving — Madalyn Francis, 11th, 138.20
- 100 Free — Allie Lunstra, 1st, 1:00.99 (season best)
- 100 Back — Allie Lunstra, 2nd, 1:09.89; Macy Steber, 8th, 1:18.47; Shelby Smith, 10th, 1:19.74; Madalyn Francis, 12th, 1:23.16
- 400 Free Relay — 3rd, 4:43.66 (Francis, Lunstra, Smith, Steber)
Notable Improvements
- Lunstra — 100 Free: −0.94
- Dean — 50 Free: −1.51
- Francis — 100 Back: −2.08