Swimming and Diving: Catholic University vs. Drew University
The Catholic University Swimming and Diving Teams opened their seasons this past Saturday at Drew University.
Image courtesy of Catholicathletics.com
By Katie Van Lew
The Catholic University of America Swimming and Diving Team traveled to Madison, New Jersey for its first competition against Drew University on October 19, and the women’s team took home the win by a close margin.
The competition began with a collective effort from the diving team as it exhibited its technique and skill during the one meter dive. Among the two female divers, juniors Colleen O’Callaghan and Sophia Washington represented the women’s diving team in the one-meter and three-meter dive. During the first event, O’Callaghan completed six dives, such as the inward tuck dive as well as a back somersault half twist. Washington also competed in six events, performing a back dive half twist as well as a front dive tuck. They were successful in amassing 22 points for the women’s team. O’Callaghan’s won both diving events, as she scored 137.18 on the one-meter and 146.55m on the three-meter. Close behind O’Callaghan, Washington scored 93.60 on the one-meter dive, earning her second place.
For the men’s diving team, senior Will Chester and sophomore Seamus Koehr both competed in six dives. Chester scored 183.75 on the one-meter, earning third place, as well as scoring 179.40 on the three meter, earning second place. Catholic University’s newest diver, Seamus Koehr, scored 105.90 on the one-meter and 116.10 on the three meter.
The collective effort of the women’s team exhibited its drive and persistence, with many of the races resulting in first, second, and third place finishes. Freshman Maddie Doucette (1:10.64) and Hannah Corcoran (1:16.97), along with sophomores Cagney Boyle (1:14.36) and Aubrey McDonough (1:15.68), dominated the 100 yard breastroke.
The team’s distance swimmers, freshman Claire Laux (11:49.13), sophomore Kelly Smith (11:34.87), and seniors Liz Spernal (11:50.25), and Jackie Bouvier (12:28.30) powered through the race, earning second, third, fourth, and seventh during the 1000 yard freestyle.
Relentlessly, the women’s team exemplified their depth and talent as they were able to secure the top placements for each event.
The men’s team showcased their depth during events such as the men’s 100 yard butterfly, with junior Gregory Mccarthy (54.54), senior Kevin Jay (54.92), and sophomore Jeffrey Shcriefer-Flores (56.14) securing first, third, and fourth.
The combined effort of seniors George Isaacs and Jay, Schreifer-Flores, and junior Matthew Mahon resulted in a victory in the 200 yard freestyle relay (1:28.00). For the last three years, the men’s swim team has won the Landmark Conference Championships. Last year, the men were able to secure a gold medal in the same event with a time of (1:23.79).
Among the freshmen, for both men and women, there were several first place finishes. Freshman swimmer Alexa Hipp, took first in the 200 yard backstroke (2:14.34), as well as a second place finish in the 100 yard backstroke (1:02.38). Ellis Prescott, Catholic’s newest distance swimmer, competed and had a first place finish in the 1000 yard freestyle (10:22.38) and a second place finish in the 500 yard freestyle (5:00.38).
This was Prescott’s first meet as a member of the CUA Swimming and Diving team. As it was his first collegiate meet, he was impressed by the comradery between the men’s and women’s teams.
“It was really cool seeing everyone always cheering. The girls team got a very close win which came down to every swimmer and diver giving it their all,” Said Prescott. “Even though the guys lost, I think we all did well. We lost a few races because of one mistake or two. Overall, I’m looking forward to how we will bounce back this weekend and how we improve by the time conferences comes around.”
The Catholic University Men’s Swimming and Diving team have won the past three Landmark Conference Championships, and anticipate a fourth victory in February. During the 2018-2019 season, the women’s swimming and diving team earned second place, improving their placement from the 2017-2018 season.
The women’s team pushed through tough races to defeat Drew, with a final score of 145-143. The final score for the men’s team was 127-172. Both teams have a tough task ahead of them, as conference rival Scranton visits the Dufour Center on Saturday, October 26 at 2pm.
