By Jensyn Hartzell
Sports Editor
The Washington College men’s and women’s swimming team opened their 2021-2022 season on Oct. 23 in Gettysburg, Pa. against two Centennial Conference opponents, the Gettysburg College Bullets and the Dickinson College Devils.
For the Shoremen, freshman CJ Dunker placed second overall in the 1,000 freestyle. This was his first collegiate meet. Sophomore Bianti Danaj placed third place in the 200 freestyle and third in the 100 butterfly.
Freshman Zach Affeldt won first in the 100 and 200 breaststroke. According to the WC Athletics website, Affeldt had the tenth and sixth fastest recorded times in these races in WC swimming history. He was also runner-up in the 200 individual medley.
In second for the 50 freestyle was junior captain Gage Mandrell, who also made history with the 10th fastest time recorded at WC in this race. Mandrell placed second in the 100 and 200 backstrokes.
The 400 freestyle relay included Danaj, Mandrell, freshman Chase Hensen, and senior captain Nate Braddock. The team placed first, overcoming the Bullets at the last second of the relay.
Affeldt was nominated as Swimmer of the Meet for his performance.
After this meet, the Shoremen’s record now stands at 1-1 with a loss to the Bullets, but a victory over the Devils. The team will compete again on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. in their home pool against Swarthmore College.
The women’s swimming team also travelled to Gettysburg to face off against the Bullets, Devils, and the Bryn Mawr College Owls on Saturday, Oct. 23.
Sophomore Emma Schultz won first in the 500 freestyle along with senior captain Alexa Luecke in the 200 individual medley. Freshman Lily Hartmann placed third in the 200 individual medley behind her captain.
In the 1,000 freestyle, junior Kristina Curley placed third overall.
Freshman Kylee Smith made WC Athletics history in the 100 butterfly relay, recording the eighth fastest time. This was also Smith’s first collegiate meet.
Senior Anna Hall placed second behind Smith in the 100 butterfly and sophomore Laurel Krause tied for third in the 50 freestyle.
The 400 relay team included Krause, Smith, Luecke, and freshman Emily Iampieri. The Shorewomen placed second overall.
Schultz was nominated as Swimmer of The Meet for her performance in the 500 Freestyle relay, according to the WC Athletics website.
Overall, the Shorewomen took two losses from the Bullets and Devils, but were victorious against the Owls. Their record now stands at 1-2.
They will compete again on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. against Swarthmore College at home.