By Dominic Rapposelli
Sports Editor
Washington College men’s and women’s swimming traveled to York College on Nov. 16. The Shorewomen won a tight meet, with a final point tally of 133.5-128.5 over the Spartans, and improved to 6-3 overall, 3-2 in Centennial Conference action. The Shoremen outdid the Spartans 147-108 on their way to a 5-4 record, 2-3 in Conference swimming.
Shorewomen
Several Shorewomen took home multiple first place finishes in the contest, along with a pair of first place relay finishes.
Senior Kylee Smith continued her impressive start to the season, capturing the 100-yard freestyle (54.53) and 200 freestyle (1:58.98).
Freshmen Julia Banker and Kenzie Gornan took home two first place finishes apiece as well. Banker grabbed the 100- and 200-yard backstroke events (1:03.34 and 2:15.67, respectively). Gorman was the top finisher in the 50 freestyle (25.22) and 100 butterfly (59.68). Senior Ayana Davis also had the top time in the 200 butterfly (2:30.30).
The Shorewomen’s 200 medley relay squad posted a top time of 1:53.22, courtesy of the quartet of Smith, Gorman, and fellow freshmen Anna Burrows and Brooke Bailey. Davis, Smith, Gorman, and junior Lauren Paules grabbed the 400 freestyle relay with a first place 3:45:19 finish.
“I feel very good about where we are in the season. With midseason coming up, we are in peak training for the first half of our season. We look really strong in the water and can’t wait to show up and show out at our upcoming meets,” Paules said.
Shoremen
Two Shoremen won dual individual events in the meet versus the Spartans courtesy of senior Zach Affeldt and sophomore Nathan Rawa.
Affeldt took home first place in the 200 individual medley (2:00.84) and 200 breaststroke (2:12.33). Rawa nabbed the top times in the 100 breaststroke (51.59) and the 200 backstroke (1:55:81). He also tied for first in the 100 butterfly (51:29).
Senior Chase Henson and freshman Tyler Wright also posted top times. Henson was first in the 100 breaststroke (59.07), while Wright topped the 200 butterfly (2:02:41).
“Personally, the best way I find to stay dedicated is to encourage my teammates while training and I feel as though a lot of them would say the same,” sophomore James Hackett said.
Both teams return to the pool on Nov. 22-24 for the Franklin and Marshall College Invitational against 12 other men’s and women’s swimming programs.
With half of the season to go, both WC teams are looking to continue their strong starts in the 2024-25 season.