MILFORD, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University women's swimming and diving team celebrated its Senior Day on Saturday afternoon with a 186-74 home victory over Merrimack College at the McCann Natatorium.
Before today's meet, the Pioneers recognized its seven seniors and one graduate student with a Senior Day ceremony. SHU honored
Ashley Ayala,
Casey Barrett,
Kelly Bartnett,
Grace Bergstrom,
Julia Brzezinski,
Alivia Gibson,
Hyzell Lim, and
Jillian Pusateri.
The Pioneers hit the ground running by winning the first five events, beginning with a victory in the 200-medley relay.
Olivia Ronaghan won next in the 1,000 freestyle in 11:20.13 before Bartnett earned the first of her two individual triumphs in the 200 freestyle (1:58.83). The senior also took the crown in the 100 freestyle (56.16) and was a member of both of SHU's victorious relay teams.
Rosemery Nieto earned Sacred Heart's next gold in the 100 breaststroke by posting a time of 1:07.53, while Barrett took the 100 backstroke in 1:01.22. Nieto and Barrett both finished the day as multiple-time winners, as Nieto was a part of the 200-medley relay team, and Barrett also won the 200 IM (2:14.24).
Emma McCall joined Nieto, Barrett, and Bartnett with multiple victories. The junior posted a blazing time of 25.64 to win the 50 free while also featuring in both Pios' triumphant relay squads.
The Pioneers also received winning performances from
Daniella Palamaro,
Ella Krikorian,
Kelly Peter, and
Meghan Hammarlund. Palamaro topped the field in the 200 back (2:15.89), Krikorian's time of 2:32.73 was the fastest in the 200 breaststroke, while Peter won the 500 free (5:38.24), and Hammarlund took the 100 butterfly (1:01.24).
Sacred Heart posted multiple strong showings in the one-meter diving event.
Olivia McNicholas took top honors after posting a final score of 228.37, while
Christianna Tzepos tallied a personal-record score of 200.25.
Tonight's meet was the Pios' final tune-up before the Northeast Conference Championships. The NEC Championships are scheduled between Tuesday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio.
