Photo by Jenny Cho ’20
Competing college swimmers prepare for the swimming event at Westfield State University.
BY LEXI LOBDELL ’20
Mount Holyoke College hosted Westfield State University on Saturday, Nov. 11, falling short 157-139 in the dual meet. Westfield State boasts a 2 and 1 record in the early season while the Lyons carry a 1 and 2 record.
The Lyons saw multiple fast swims and personal bests. Sarah Ratzlaff ’21 said, “While we didn’t win, we came really close to beating them. We have a couple of injuries and [a few] people are really sick, so showing that we can still power through and get things done was a great thing that came out of this weekend.” She added, “We are a very young team this year, with newbies almost outnumbering returners.”
Despite those hurdles, the team still won multiple events. Swimming highlights include a 200-yard freestyle win from Jacqueline Park ’21, a 100-yard breaststroke win from Naomi Brown ’21 and a win in the 200-yard freestyle relay from Delany Berry ’19, Riley Hicks ’21, Ashton Bliss ’21 and Amy Lim ’18.
Samantha Nemivant ’20 dominated the diving events. She won the one meter dive with a score of 257.50, qualifying her for NCAA Regionals. She also was victorious in the three meter dive, scoring 250.35.
Captains Claire Beckett ’18 and Delany Berry ’19 said, “We have a very young team this year. Our hope is that we create a team environment where we can come together as a strong cohesive unit that sets up success in the future.” Ratzlaff added, “It is an exciting time and we are looking at a great future ahead of us. I think we have a great team dynamic. Everyone brings something unique to the team and contributes whole-heartedly...we give it our all in everything we do in and out of the pool!”
This Saturday, Mount Holyoke will host Wellesley at the natatorium at 1 p.m. The Lyons will also host the Seven Sisters Championships this year on Jan. 20-21.