NYU defeat Vassar, prepare for UAA

Heading into the final dual-meet of the season at Vassar College, the NYU swimming and diving teams needed to rebound after last week's losses against The College of New Jersey.

The women's team, coming off their first loss of the season last week, responded with a resounding 177-65 victory over Vassar, giving them an 8-1 record to close out the regular season.

Freshman Tatum Gormley continued her success, leading the Violets with victories in the 200-yard backstroke (2:17.14) and 200-yard freestyle (2:00.15). Gormley also joined freshmen Noel Elgamal and Claire Stephens, and junior Chelsea Pfohl in the victorious 200-yard medley relay team (1:55.14).

Other winning times included Elgamal's 2:17.34 in the 200-yard butterfly, Pfohl's 55.83 in the 100-yard freestyle, junior Molly Rippe's 5:16.55 in the 500-yard freestyle and junior Alexandra Strzempko's 11:03.67 in the 1,000-yard freestyle event.

Sophomore Kelly Dietz dominated the diving boards again, posting scores of 274.57 and 265.05 in the one-meter and three-meter dives, respectively, once again garnering NCAA-qualifying totals.

With the University Athletic Association Championship coming up, Gormley feels confident that the Violets will be successful.

"The UAA is where all of our hard work should pay off," Gormley said. "As a team, we're ready for some breakthrough performances and great races."

The men's team had similar success against Vassar, as they swam to a 140-101 victory. With the win, the men finished their dual-meet season with a 7-4 record.

Sophomore James Bedell grabbed first-place honors in the 200-yard backstroke (2:05.60) and the 50-yard freestyle (22.08). Freshman Ross Gormley captured the 1,000-yard freestyle (10:46.88), and junior Steven Oates finished first in the 500-yard freestyle (5:08.41).

Sophomore Bryson Naylor had a successful meet, racing to first-place finishes in the 200-yard butterfly (2:00.94) and the 200-yard freestyle (1:47.59).

"I feel very amped for UAAs," Naylor said. "I believe that everyone is getting both physically and mentally prepared for the meet and I am sure that we will all see some fantastic results."

The Violets will travel to Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., to participate in the UAA Championships from Feb. 17-20.