As the UR women’s swimming and diving season draws to a close, the Yellowjackets continue to show their prowess as they pulled out a victory against Case Western Reserve University this past weekend with a score of 132-111.
Despite the taxing train ride, the team overcame physical fatigue to earn an important victory.
“We were tired and there were a few people injured, but even with this, we came together and now we can look forward to further success in the UAA Championship,” sophomore Abby Hoffman, who placed a season best in the 200-yard Individual Medley, said.
“The women swam tough and posted a win against a UAA team. This will be vital when it comes time for the UAA Championship,” Head Coach Danielle Herring said. “I was, overall, very impressed with the women’s performance. If we can maintain this momentum, we still may see some exciting results in the next several meets.”
The women’s team placed first in eight of the 13 events and junior Patricia McHale won both diving events, the 1-meter and 3-meter. McHale was named Liberty League Performer of the Week for diving, as was sophomore Kari Joyce for swimming.
“This was one of our biggest meets and we faced up to the challenge. Everyone competed like they needed to and we came out with a solid victory. The divers especially put up notable efforts,” Joyce said. Joyce finished first in both the 100 and 200-yard freestyle.
In the 1,000-yard freestyle, freshman Sara Tomaski and sophomores Sara Sibenaller and Sonja Brun clocked season bests.
“It was great to see that we are able to top our own times. It is a sign that we are continually improving and strengthening.” Herring said.
With three meets left in the season before the University Athletic Association Championship in February, the Yellowjackets hope to finish strong and carry that success into the finals.
On Jan. 22, they face off against SUNY Fredonia in the Speegle-Wilbraham Aquatic Center at 1 p.m.
On Jan. 26, they travel to William Smith College before their last meet at Ithaca College on, Jan. 29.
Traveling on the same exhausting train trip with UR women’s swimming and diving, the UR men’s team battled fatigue to make Saturday’s meet against Case Western Reserve University one to remember.
They gave it all they had, but nonetheless lost 132-105. The Yellowjackets’ efforts made for one of the more exciting performances of the season.
“It was an impressive showing,” Herring said. “The men turned it on and made it tough for Case Western to top them. Case Western has a strong swimming program and it was great for team morale to perform so well against them. It was a nice surprise to watch them compete and pull together like they did.”
With seven out of 13 first place finishes, the Yellowjackets had many outstanding performances.
Junior Ted Elton won both the 1-meter and 3-meter dives, while Liberty League Performer of the Week senior Peter Maxwell finished first in the 200-yard freestyle and 100-yard backstroke.
Sophomore Zack Freed did the same in the 1,000 and 500-yard freestyle.
“Swimming against Case Western gave us a good idea of where we stand against conference opponents,” Freed said. “It was also great to see so many of us achieve season bests.”
Freed’s time in his 1,000-yard freestyle first place finish was also his season best. Junior Sam Schrauth also had his season best in the same event.
Sophomore Matt Craig came in first in the 200-yard individual medley with a season-best time. Sophomore Anthony Furstoss, with a couple of close-to-season-bests, gave one of his strongest showings to date.
“I was pleased with Anthony’s performance,” Herring said. “He really gave his all for the team, and his race finishes reflect his commitment. He still has a lot of time left with the team to improve, and I expect further results from him in the future. “
Two meets remain for the Yellowjackets before the UAA Championship held in Chicago in February.
On Jan. 22, the UR men’s team competes against SUNY Fredonia at the Speegle-Wilbraham Aquatic Center.
On Jan. 29, the Yellowjackets then go to Ithaca College for the final meet of the season.
Troyer can be reached at mtroyer@campustimes.org.
