Even with some standout performances, the Cabrini swim team could not manage to secure the win in Friday’s meet against Lebanon Valley College. The Cabrini women lost 115-81, and the men were trumped 108-69.
Freshman Hassan David Goines Jr. was the driving force of the men’s team with two first-place finishes. Goines took the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:55.14 and finished the 100-yard breast stroke in 1:04.18. Goines also assisted freshman Todd Walker as well as juniors Nick Platt and Scott Hunt to take second place in the 200-yard medley relay. The teamwork of the four resulted in a time of 1:47.04.
Junior Chris Ryan swam for a time of 1:00.61 in the 100-yard butterfly while freshman Bobby Schmidt placed second in the 200 individual medley (2:21.09). Schmidt also secured third in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 55.33.
Freshman Christina Melchiorre continues to shine in her first season as a Cavalier. Melchiorre racked up three victories in the match consisting of 50-yard freestyle (26.19), 100-yard freestyle (57.03) and 100-yard breast stroke (1:18.83).
Senior Breaghann Smith took second place in the 200 and 500-yard freestyle events. Fellow senior Elyse Phillips was right behind her finishing third in both events. Senior Courtney Good placed second in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 1:07.46. Good also managed a third-place finish in the 200-yard individual medley (2:26.66).
Junior Megan Tustin said, “The meet against Lebanon Valley was a tough one but we went in fighting and came out with a better score than last year and improved on many races. The night ended strong for us because many people did their season and personal bests which makes it a win for us in the end.” She added, “Both teams are working extremely hard and continuing to grow and get better everyday.”
Head coach Cindy Ikeler attributed the loss to numbers. Ikeler said, “We have a small, young team right now. While we have a lot of talent, we are lacking depth and it’s hard to compete against teams that outnumber us and can fill all the lanes.” She continued, “I felt like our swimmers really held their own and fought for all of their races. There were a lot of close races, on both sides, that came down to the finish.” In regards to the next meet, Ikeler concluded, “I think we will continue to stress the importance of focus. Working on the fundamentals, “swimming smart” and putting the things that we work on in practice together in our races.”
The Cavalier swim team will dive back in when they meet with Marywood University on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Dixon Center. Meet time is scheduled for 1 p.m.
