Lehigh University
Bucknell
Lehigh can't overcome Bucknell in final meet
1/24/2009 8:30:00 PM | Men's Swimming and Diving, Swimming and Diving, Women's Swimming and Diving
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LEWISBURG, Pa. – In its final dual meet before the Patriot League Championships, Lehigh was swept by Bucknell Saturday afternoon at Kinney Natatorium. The Mountain Hawks had their hands full with one of the league’s top squads as the Lehigh men managed to win five events, but ultimately fell 178.5-119.5. Sophomore Lauren Kindrick won the 500 freestyle to lead the women, who fell 198-95. Both Lehigh teams wrap up the dual season at 6-5.
“We have been competing and racing since early October,” explained Lehigh head coach Rob Herb. “This was our last dual and it was against one of the league powerhouses in their pool. Despite the results our team proved that even after a long and grueling season our swimmers and divers always compete.”
The men’s effort featured two event wins apiece for senior Dan Johnson and junior Kevin McGrath. Johnson picked up Lehigh’s first win of the meet, taking the 200 free in 1:42.20. He later added a win in the 100 free in 46.89. McGrath continued to shine in the breaststroke events, winning the 100 with a time of 58.99 and the 200 in 2:07.52.
Lehigh’s fifth and final win on the men’s side came from junior Ben Dearden, who won the 200 butterfly in 1:55.23. Herb was also pleased that his men tallied seven personal best swims in the meet. On the diving boards, freshman Connor Styles recorded personal bests in both the one and three meter.
On the women’s side, Kindrick mustered Lehigh’s lone win versus the reigning league runner-ups, taking the 500 free in 5:10.67. Despite not being able to muster many top finishers, Herb was pleased with his younger swimmers who posted top times in the meet. Among those with personal bests was freshman Priscilla Barletta who finished second in the 200 fly with a time of 2:13.57 and added a time of 2:14.37 in the 200 IM.
“We are enjoying the end of our winning dual meet season,” said Herb. We are now putting all of our attention to returning back to Bucknell for Patriots. If today is any indicator of what Lehigh will do at Patriots, it is going to be the best season ever.”
The Mountain Hawks will now focus on training for the Patriot League Championships, which Bucknell will host at Kinney Natatorium February 19-21.
