CUA Swimming Swims Past Howard University

By Jen Brown

The Catholic University of America men’s and women’s swimming and diving team surpassed their opponent, Howard University, this past Saturday afternoon, January 30th, on Senior Day. This was the last home meet for the women’s team, who finished with a final score of 159-91 while the men’s team earned a score of 166.5-89.5.

Despite the men’s and women’s team doing well as a whole, this meet also improved the individual scores of the swimmers. Freshman Valerie Sander had the season best time of 11:06.71 in the 1000-freestyle. This was not her only accomplishment during this meet. Sander also finished in first place in both the 200-freestyle (2:02.91) and 500-freestyle (5:57.91). With Sander scoring so well as a freshman she is excited to see where the next 3 years will bring herself and her swimming career.

Another freshman who had an excellent swim meet was Emily Messina, who placed first in the 200 butterfly (2:13.93), 100-freestyle (57.11), and 100-butterfly (1:01.85). Sophomore Rachel Chain placed in first in the 50-freestyle (25.99) and finished right after Messina in the 100-freestyle (58.99) for second place.

Senior captain Patrick McMullen was asked how he felt after the swim meet. “It was a good to win big on senior day. I’m so proud of my team for sweeping all three places in the 1000 and 100 freestyle,” McMullen said.

One of McMullen’s teammates that swept both races was senior Matt Wagner, who placed first in the 100-freestyle (49.06). After Wagner, junior Joe Cihak touched the wall for second place (50.32), then Mark Solace placed third (50.44). In the 200-freestyle, Solace placed first (1:49.56). Cihak placed first in the 100-breaststroke (1:01.18) and then tied with Wagner in first place in the 50-freestyle (21.95)

The swim team’s next meet will be at the Landmark Conference Championship from February 12th through February 14th. This will be the last meet in the 2015-16 season.