Women's Swimming Bows to Westfield, 149-114

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Westfield State University women's swimming and diving team cruised to a 149-114 victory over host Bridgewater State University on Saturday afternoon at the Mary Jo Moriarty Pool in Bridgewater.

The visiting Owls opened up a 149-54 lead through the first 11 events and then swam and dove exhibitions over the last five.

Westfield posted nine first place finishes led by sophomore Katie Cox (South Hadley, Mass.) and junior Jennifer Rodger (Norwood, Mass.)with two individual wins apiece.  Cox placed first in the 200 freestyle (2:07.86) and 100 backstroke (1:04.71) while Rodger was the top finisher in the 50 breaststroke (:35.72) and 100 breaststroke (1:19.02).

Cox also swam a leg on the Owls' winning 200 medley relay squad (2:04.19) along with juniors Lauren Connolly (Lakeville, Mass.), Angie Wasylik (Springfield, Mass.) and Jenna Tasse (Sturbridge, Mass.).

Sophomore Loren Phinney (Holbrook, Mass.) paced the Bears with victories in the 1,000 freestyle (11:42.22) and the 100 individual medley (1:07.79).  Sophomore Rhiannon White (Falmouth, Mass.) added a win in the 100 butterfly (1:09.42).

Westfield improves to 4-2 in dual meets while Bridgewater slips to 1-10.  The Owls travel to Saint Joseph College next Saturday for a one o'clock meet with the Blue Jays.  The Bears head to Bentley University on Tuesday night for a 6:30 meet with the Falcons.