Lehigh University
Colgate
Men win, women fall to Colgate in Hamilton
11/1/2008 9:30:00 PM | Men's Swimming and Diving, Swimming and Diving, Women's Swimming and Diving
 |
HAMILTON, N.Y. – Lehigh returned to Patriot League competition on Saturday by earning a split with Colgate at Lineberry Natatorium. On the women’s side the Mountain Hawks had to contend with the defending Patriot League champions, and held their own despite a 209-79 setback. The Lehigh men faced a much-improved Raiders squad, but thanks to a complete effort from all classes, the Mountain Hawks held off Colgate 162-136.
“I could not be prouder of our teams and how they handled this meet,” said Lehigh head coach Rob Herb. “It proved to be one of the most exciting meets of the year, and I’m extremely proud of our men who bounced back from a four point loss last week with a team effort that resulted in a team win.”
Following Saturday’s events, Lehigh’s men are now 3-1 overall, while the women stand at 2-2.
The Mountain Hawk women refused to back down from the defending league champs, but came away pleased with the experience, which should help them down the road. Lehigh’s two event wins on the women’s side came from junior Erin Tormey, who swept the one and three-meter diving events. Tormey scored 196.49 points in the one meter and 203.47 points in the three meter. Among other strong showings, freshmen Alena Pollitt and Lauren Armstrong finished second and third respectively in the 100 backstroke, while senior Melanie Rolish and freshman Priscilla Barletta took second and third in the 200 IM.
“We had an opportunity to race the Patriot League Champions and we did,” explained Herb. “The women did very well and we are very happy with the experience.”
On the men’s side, Lehigh received strong performances from senior Dan Johnson and junior Kevin McGrath who each won multiple events. Johnson took the 200 free in 1:44.89 and the 100 in 47.11. McGrath captured three more wins, taking the 100 and 200 breast races along with the 200 IM in 1:57.60. As has been the case in the early season, the Lehigh freshmen have also contributed with race wins and big points. Angelo DiGiacinto won the 100 backstroke in 54.54 while Chris Toth won the 200 back in 1:59.11 leading a 1-2 Lehigh finish with sophomore Billy Dunne. Junior Ben Dearden chipped in with a victory in the 100 fly, and teamed with Johnson, sophomore Andrew DiPietro and junior Ryan Guttormsen in taking the 400 free relay in 3:12.39.
“Colgate is much improved, but our guys have been working hard this year and it is showing,” said Herb. “Desire, motivation and tradition are all factors in this win.”
The Mountain Hawks will be back in the pool next Saturday when they visit Rider. Action begins at 10 a.m. from Lawrenceville, N.J.
