Blue Devils fall short in home meet against Geneseo

Co-ed swimming and diving teams remain positive, set personal records

CALEE PRINDLE
Special to The Leader

DARCIE HENNARD/ Photo Editor The women's swimming team was faced with their toughest meet against the Geneseo Knights. The women Blue Devils were defeated by Geneseo 154-137.

Fredonia's Co-ed swimming and diving teams headed into one of their toughest meets of the season as they faced the Geneseo Knights on Saturday Nov. 3. Both teams were clinching a 1-1 record, looking for a win to secure their record.

Upperclassmen divers gave hope to both the men and women's sides. Senior diver Scott Horsington continued his success, as he set a new pool mark for the men's 1-meter springboard with a six-dive score of 274.85 points. His success can be attributed to his goals and positive mindset.

"On a personal level, I am aiming to hit my personal best scores," said Horsington. "I would also like to beat a record or two on both boards and hopefully return to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championships."

Junior diver Kelly Sponholz claimed a new pool and team mark with her 259.50 score for the women's 1-meter event. Sponholz was also named Female Athlete of the Week for Oct. 29 - Nov.4 because of her performance in the Geneseo meet.

Even though junior backstroke and individual medalist Emily Dizer conquered the 100- yard backstroke and contributed to the winning 200-yard medley relay, it was not enough to take the victory.

The Blue Devil women's team was defeated by Geneseo 154-137. Despite the defeat, freshman sprint free-stylist Emily Wiles had a positive outlook on the meet.

"In past years we have been crushed by Geneseo," said Wiles. "To come as close as we did this year really says a lot about where we are headed."

Geneseo's women had two double winners. Junior individual medalist Lindsay Dressel won the 200 fly and 500 free, while freshman free stylist Jennifer Anthone won the 200 free and 100 fly. There were six other women winners as well, including sophomore breaststroke specialist and free-stylist Mae Lankes.

"One factor that was especially strong on our women's side is each members' versatility and ability to swim many different events," said Lankes. "Each athlete can swim numerous events and do well in them, as opposed to only specializing in one or two events."

The Geneseo men's team also had a pair of double winners. Freshman backstroke and free-stylist Russell Sullivan conquered the 100 and 200 backstroke events, while freshman breaststroke specialist Andrew Gorcica took the 100 and 200 breaststroke events.

Sophomore breaststroke and individual medalist Michael Seay's successful performance of the 100-yeard freestyle, 200-yard individual medley and role in the winning 200-yard medley relay, was not enough for the Blue Devil men's team as they were also beaten by Geneseo with a score of 159-132.

Head Coach Arthur Wang admitted that their flaw that contributed to Saturday's loss was inexperience but also believes that the team is very talented and on their way to a positive season.

"I think that they [Geneseo] are the toughest competition in our region," said Wang. "Their reputation preceded them. We were perhaps equal comparing our top swimmer to theirs. It just seemed as though they had more."

The Blue Devils will take on Allegheny at 2 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 17 at home.