Panthers earn silver in NESCAC season finale Middlebury women fall to Ephs again, but blow Amherst out of the water

Author: Eri Nosaka

This past weekend the women's swim team saw incredible results at the NESCAC championships hosted by Bowdoin College. With an overall season record of 7-2 - losing only to Amherst College and Williams College - the women's team managed to defeat Amherst by a gap of 200 points. The Panthers finished the meet with 1,583 points, second only to Williams' 1,878.5. The Ephs took home their sixth straight NESCAC championship, continuing their domination of the sport. Last year, the women managed to come in with an acceptable third place finish at the championships, taking the bronze behind Williams and Amherst.

"This weekend was the perfect finish to a perfect season. Everyone came together in spirit and in the pool. We surprised ourselves and our competitors because we dropped times in every event," said Head Coach Peter Solomon.

Known for having hardworking and rigorous workouts, the women showed that their efforts had paid off.

Strong swimmers and divers of the weekend included Marika Ross'08, Sara Cowie'08 and Alana Hanson '08. Ross ended the weekend with three NESCAC titles and several conference and pool records. In her 100 yard fly event she ended with a time of 55.76 seconds, making her the second Division III swimmer to finish with a time under 56.

The Panthers also placed well in the relays, gaining two second place finishes in the 200 yard free relay - with a time of 2:25.49 - and the 400 yard medley relay.

Solomon, however, emphasizes that this weekend was really about the team as a whole rather than individual and relay events.

"The seniors provided unparallel and unprecedented enthusiasm this year. Whether or not they suited up, they provided support that reflected the team's best performance. Everyone dropped in their times and I think that says something about the team. We totally turned the tables on Amherst by coming in second and we closed the gap with Williams."

Despite losing nine swimmers and divers, the team still has a strong chance of winning the NESCAC championship next year. Williams is losing a strong core of its team, which will leave them vulnerable for being NESCAC Champions next year. At this rate, the Middlebury team should be a strong contender.

A number of Panthers will travel to the University of Minnesota on March 9-11 for the NCAA Championships.