Swim team loses for first time in three years to Mt. St. Mary

by Catie Griffin

Thursday November 29, 2007

The whistle sounded and five girls leapt from the starting blocks, crashing into the water before smoothly gliding and finally breaking the surface. Yells of encouragement echoed through the room from excited teammates. “Go! Go! Go!” yelled Casey Quinn, head coach, as the swimmers made their final lap.

This was the scene as the Sarah Lawrence swim team yet again dominated the competition in their swim meet on Nov. 3 against Mt. St. Vincent. Firsts were won in the 200 medley relay, 500 freestyle, 200 IM, 100 freestyle, 100 butterfly, 50 freestyle, 100 IM, 50 butterfly, and 200 freestyle relay. Seconds were also achieved in the 100 freestyle, 50 freestyle, 50 breaststroke, 100 breaststroke, and 100 IM.

Unfortunately, their latest meet on Nov. 8 against Mt. St. Mary wasn’t quite as successful. Although they lost, many team members broke their own personal records. Sophomore Rachel Schneider lost 1.43 seconds off of her 200 medley relay and 10.53 seconds off of her 200 IM. First-year Catherine Griffin lost 7.39 seconds off of her 500 freestyle. Sophomore Emma Forester beat her time in the 100 freestyle by 1.54 seconds. Sophomore Sara Leatherbarrow came in first in her 100 backstroke. Finally, first-year Amanda Davis shaved 1.71 seconds off of her 100 IM.

Quinn remains optimistic even if this is their first loss in three years. To help build team chemistry, Quinn held games such as water polo during one Friday evening practice. The swim team may have lost one battle, but they’re determined to win the war. Their next home meet takes place on Nov. 29 at 8:00 p.m.