Over the past three years, the Northville Mustangs and Ann Arbor Pioneer Pioneers have competed in an intense rivalry on the girls’ swim and dive level. Since 2022, the Pioneers have won every dual meet, but the Mustangs came close to defeating them, losing by only four points in their 2022 matchup. Since then, Pioneer and Northville have been competing for the top times in the state.
On Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, the Pioneers hosted the Mustangs for their annual dual meet. Currently, Pioneer is ranked first in D1 and Northville third.
Head coach Stefanie Kerska gave the Pioneer girls a pep talk before the meet started.
“Each year we’ve got a pin in our backs,” Kerska said. “They always try to find our weaknesses, and we cannot let that happen.”
Pioneer started strong and never let up, setting the tone right from the first event. They overtook Northville’s A relay in the 200 medley relay, securing the top two spots. Suryn Lee, a Pioneer junior, came in first with a state cut qualifying time of 1:55.91 in the 200 freestyle. The Pioneers continued to win the next two events before the diving break.
Kate Van Ryn, one of Pioneer’s strongest swimmers and team captain, has been on the team since the close match-up with Northville her freshman year. She remembers how strong their team is and the pressure she faces each year when swimming against them.
“Each year, Northville is always on our radar,” Van Ryn said. “We always have to show up as our best and make sure we know what we’re doing.”
During diving, Northville came in the top three spots, with top diver Paige Lingenfelter scoring 252.20 points. After diving, Pioneer continued to dominate. Cecilia Walusek, a Pioneer junior, won the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke. Kate Van Ryn, a Pioneer senior, came back from a 1.5-second loss to beat the Mustangs in the 200 free relay.
By the time 8 p.m. rolled around, the Pioneers had won every event, beating Northville 123-63.
The Mustangs gave their best effort against the Pioneers. Both teams have lots to improve upon with their race details and timing, but for the first dual meet of the season, they are looking fierce.
Northville has many fast-rising juniors and sophomores, and as a team, their progression over the next three months will be key, especially for states. Both teams will be competing at states hosted by Oakland University on Nov. 21 and 22.