It was a strong week for the swimming and diving teams, as they both conquered NJAC opponent Rowan University on Saturday, Jan. 25.
One of the College’s biggest sports rivals, Rowan always puts up a fight and makes the Lions put forth their best effort no matter what sport they are competing in.
But this weekend, it was the College who dominated, as both the men’s and women’s teams clinched conference titles with large margins of victory.
In a controlling day, the men’s team won 171-121 while winning all 14 events to show its superiority.
Many Lions stood out from the day, but sophomore James Shangle took the lead by winning the 200-yard medley relay, the 100-yard backstroke, the 200-yard breaststroke as well as the 200-yard IM.
The 200-medley relay also consisted of junior Aleksander Burzynski, sophomore Joseph Dunn and senior Phillip Hawley putting forth their best effort to garner a time of 1:34.55. The men’s relay teams have been unstoppable all season long.
In the 100-yard butterfly, Dunn touched the wall first in a time of 51.88.
In senior William Kasper’s last meet at the College, he came in first in the 50-free with a time of 21.27.
Senior Stephen Tarnowski and freshman Andrew Nesbitt came in first and second in the 200-freestyle.
The women’s swimming and diving team also had a fantastic day, overcoming Rowan with a score of 184-115.
Junior Summer Thomas, sophomore Lauren Rothstein and senior Nina Sabatini dominated the 200-freestyle event, while Thomas then went on to win the 500-freestyle.
Junior Brennah Ross had a great day as well, placing first in the 50- and 100-free events. In the 100-freestyle, Ross, Rothstein and sophomore Erin Perna finished in the top three positions.
In her final race at the College’s Aquatic Center, senior Amy Schurer finished first in the 200-butterfly event.
Senior Hailey Growney then followed up by taking both the 100- and 200-backstroke events, racking up the total score to one of the highest the College has had all season.
Growney, Rothstein, Perna and Sabatini led the team to a first-place finish in the 200-medley while Rothstein, Perna, Thomas and Ross brought home the blue ribbon in the 400-free relay.
Senior Sabrina Lucchesi, also in her final home meet, conquered both the 1- and 3-meter dives.
The team seems to be clicking perfectly this season, as it winds down to some of the final meets.
“We’ve had a lot of people out during parts of the season, due to illness or injury,” Ross said. “It’s been a somewhat challenging year trying to have everyone ready and healthy for our meets … But we just got back from a training trip to Arizona, which was new and exciting.”
Despite the setbacks of injuries, the team has made a strong comeback and is on the path again, ready to take on its next opponent.
The College will next compete in the Metropolitan Conference Championships at Rutgers University from Friday, Feb. 14, to Sunday, Feb. 16.
