Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
Coming off a strong performance earlier in the week against Bryn Mawr College, the Swarthmore Garnet women’s swim team (5-1, 3-1) cruised by the Cabrini Cavaliers (1-10) by a score of 110-80 on Saturday afternoon at Ware Pool.
The Garnet had one of its best all-around performances of the season with several swimmers achieving their season-best times. One of these swimmers was senior Amelia Possanza, who achieved her goal of swimming a sub-six minute 500 freestyle (5:56.90).
“Amelia has the heart of a lion,” head coach Sue Davis remarked.
Senior Rosalie Lawrence also had an impressive meet, winning both the 100 breaststroke (1:13.19) and the 200 breaststroke (2:40.34). Lawrence attributes the team’s strong performances to its training trip this winter.
“We had a great training trip this year. The coaches worked us really hard, and we have definitely emerged as a very cohesive and focused team. It’s really vital for us to get to spend ten days focusing on nothing but training five hours a day, and I think everyone’s hard work is really paying off,” Lawrence said.
Coach Davis has been extremely pleased with the team’s balance and work ethic thus far.
“Our women’s team is one of the most talented and versatile teams that I have had the pleasure of coaching at Swarthmore,” Davis said. “Leadership on our team comes from every team member and I rely on that for the success of our team.”
The team’s depth has certainly paid off and there were several double winners against Cabrini. Sophomore Maggie Regan was dominant in the 1000 freestyle (11:21.99) as well as the brutal 400 IM (4:53.55) and classmate Erin Lowe won both the 50 freestyle (26.46) and the 200 backstroke (2:22.12).
The team has also welcomed several talented freshmen, including Supriya Davis, who already has several NCAA “B” cuts under her belt.
Davis swam a fast 5:21.31 in the 500 freestyle and smoked the competition in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:57.88.
She mentioned that the team is excited for the upcoming Centennial Conference Championships now just three meets away.
“I think we are looking very good for Conferences. The women have only lost one meet so far, and we are getting pumped up for [the Conference meet.]”
Lawrence also noted that “the captains this year are spectacular, and the team has been incredibly unified, which will lead to a strong showing [at Conferences.]”
The women will return to Centennial Conference competition on Wednesday when the team travels to Chestertown, MD to take on the Shorewomen of Washington College.
