TOWSON, Md. - The Catholic women's swimming and diving team has been selected first in the 2026 Landmark Conference Championship Poll, it was announced today. The Cardinals received 77 points in the poll, including five first-place votes.

Scranton finished second in the poll, claiming the remaining five first-place votes in the poll and totaling 75 points. The Royals captured the 2025 championship title with 859 points and earned Coaching Staff of the Year honors.

Catholic placed second at the 2025 championships for the second consecutive season, finishing with 761 points. The 2026 campaign marks Chris Paynter's first season as head coach.

Tara Wiarda has been a consistent leader for the Cardinals throughout the season. Wiarda broke the Landmark record in the 100 Backstroke this year with a time of 56.94. She currently holds the school record in the 100 and 200 Backstroke events.

Bella Mugno also returns for the Cardinals following another standout season. Mugno has been named Landmark Swimmer of the Year for two consecutive seasons and collected five gold medals at last year's championship. There, Mugno earned first-place in the 400 IM, 100 Breaststroke, and 200 Breaststroke, while also helping the Cardinals to victories in two relay events.

Molly Foltz has been a key competitor in the Cardinals' distance events. At last year's championship, Foltz captured gold medals in the 500 Freestyle in 5:10.82 and the 200 Butterfly in 2:10.77. She also placed third in the 1650 Freestyle, finishing in 17:54.81, just seconds behind the other top competitors. 

Catholic will face its conference opponents beginning Thursday, February 12 in Baltimore, Md. The meet is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. at the Mangione Aquatic Center.