On Jan. 22, the Monmouth Swim team traveled to Jersey City to compete against St. Peter’s University at the Yanitelli Center. Both teams dominated the dual meet; the men scored 173 to 80 and the women won 182 to 55.
During the meet, Freshman Jensen Ritter impressively won four events. Ritter won the 100 fly, 200 fly, 100 free, and 1000 free. Senior Callan Smith, who has a career total of 70 victories, achieved three first place finishes winning the 100 back, 100 free, and 200 IM.
Junior Tahlia Botha won two breaststroke events. Botha won the 100 breast in 1:09.48 and the 200 breast in 2:31.78. For the longer distance events, Freshman Georgia Watkins took the 500 free in 5:25.37 and the 200 free in 2:01.25.
Junior Dylan Edge won the 200 fly in 1:59.07 and the 200 back in 1:56.50; while Freshman Leo Fricker earned first place in the 1000 free at a time of 10:05.50. This makes it his second season and career victory. Alexa Houseknect won the 100 back in 1:01.20, making the race her first victory as a freshman. In addition, Junior Alexandra Ho won the 50 free in 24:98, making it her tenth victory of the season.
Juniors Blake Reynolds and Cole Dyson also had some notable highlights. Reynolds won the 50 free in 21.81 and the 100 fly in 52.32. Dyson won the 200 free in 1:46.15 and the 500 free in 4:48.38. This was his ninth individual victory of the season and tenth in his career.
Head Coach Matt Nunnally had some notes after the meet. He said, “It was a good start to the second semester for the women and a nice bounce back performance for the men. I thought both teams swam well and showed a lot of toughness today, with where we are in the season right now, physically they are feeling beat up and tired and despite that they raced well and finished strong.”
Nunnally added, “I feel good about the position we are in with one meet left and where we can go this season. I am excited about the results today and am looking forward to honoring our seniors next week against La Salle.”
Up next, the Hawks will compete home at the Steadman Natatorium on Jan. 28, against LaSalle University. This will be the last meet of the regular season and will also be dedicated as “Senior Day”.
