BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – The Bridgewater State University women's swimming & diving team took top honors in 12 of 14 swimming events as the Bears defeated visiting Western New England University by a score of 160.6-101.5.
The Bears, who have won five of the last six meeting between the two teams, even their dual meet record at 2-2. Western New England slips to 1-1 on the young season.
Juniors Chelsea Nolan (Lowell, Mass.) and Ashley Dunican (Bennington, Vt.) and sophomore Sarah Rechtiene (Southbury, Conn.) each captured a pair of events for the hosts. Nolan placed first in the 1,000 freestyle (11:48.95) and the 100 freestyle (1:01.83), while Dunican won both the 50 backstroke (31.62) and 100 backstroke (1:08.51) events. Rechtiene was the first to touch the wall in the 50 breaststroke (34.89) and the 100 breaststroke (1:15.76).
Dunican and Rechtiene along with sophomores Taylor Brochu (Cotuit, Mass.) and Kristen Carey (East Taunton, Mass.) opened the meet with a first place finish in the 200 medley relay (2:02.25).
Brochu added a victory in the 50 freestyle (27.19), while Carey was the top finisher in the 50 butterfly (30.53). Also winning events for the Bears were senior Bridget Hasson (Milton, Mass.) in the 200 freestyle (2:14.18), junior Nelia Borden (Westport, Mass.) in the 500 freestyle (5:55.75) and sophomore Kendra Perry (Middleboro, Mass.) in the 100 individual medley (1:08.62).
Sophomore Christina Minich (Wellesley, Mass.) posted a meet-best score of 178.10 points on the one-meter board in her first meet of the season, while freshman Tiffany Easter (Easton, Mass.) notched 161.40 points in the three-meter diving competition. The diving events were exhibition.
Sophomore Nicole Birchenough (Lowville, N.Y.) paced Western New England with a first place showing in the 100 butterfly (1:07.74). The Golden Bears' relay team of seniors Danielle Caron (Marlborough, Mass.) and Courtney Fitzpatrick (Stratford, Conn.) and freshmen Sylvia Drogosz (Unionville, Conn.) and Allison Ryan (Hyde Park, Mass.) placed first in the 200 freestyle relay (1:49.92).
In upcoming action, Bridgewater State entertains Roger Williams University on Saturday evening at six. Western New England travels to Gordon College also on Saturday for a noontime matinee with the Fighting Scots.