Friday, October 25
West Chester, Pa.
6:00:00 PM
Lehigh University
at
West Chester
Season Preview: Mountain Hawk women poised for breakout campaign
10/23/2013 5:31:00 PM | Women's Swimming and Diving
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh women's swimming and diving team will face two tough tests this weekend as the Mountain Hawks begin their 2013-14 meet season. The Mountain Hawks hit the road on Friday to take on West Chester and Bloomsburg in a tri-meet slated for 6 p.m. The teams then travel to New Jersey the following day for a 1 p.m. meet against Rider.
Lehigh finished last season with a 1-5 record during the dual meet season, with the lone win coming against archrival Lafayette. The team had a strong showing at the Patriot League Championships, with several swimmers finishing in the top ten in a range of events and the team finishing fifth overall.
Head coach Rob Herb, who enters his tenth season with the team, expects a breakout season for his young squad that welcomes five freshmen to go along with six sophomores, five juniors and one senior.
"We have a real shot to get several women on the podium at Patriot's this year," said Herb. "We'd also love to see improvement all around, including a winning dual meet record."
Sophomores Courtney Patterson and Carolyn Koch, two swimmers who made a splash as freshmen year breaking multiple school records and qualifying for the championship final in several events, highlight the team. Both garnered All-Patriot League honors at the end of last season following their huge meet performances.
Patterson is part of a group of distance women that enjoyed much success last season as she set school marks in the 500 and 1000 free. Freshmen Kelly Carroll and Cora Summerfield will look to make a huge impact in the distance events right away.
"We have a strong group of freshmen coming in this year," said Samuels. "Most of the girls coming in are going to make a huge impact. It's exciting."
The team will also look to strong performances from juniors Mary Caitlin Samuels and Alissa Leung. Samuels took fifth in the 200 fly at Patriots Last season while adding an 11th place finish in the 100. Leung, the 100 back school record holder, looks to continue her college success as she leads the team in the backstroke and IM events.
The sprinters are led by sophomore standout Carolyn Koch, who looks to build off of a momentous finish to last season. Her group gains a huge boost from freshman Kaitlyn Ruffing, a 50 and 100 freestyler who will also help a lot on relays.
"Our freshman class is a huge strength this year," said Herb. "Kaitlyn Ruffing and Kelly Carroll will especially be a huge wake up call to the league."
The dual meet season is highlighted by a home showdown against archrival Lafayette. Lehigh swam to its fifth consecutive win against the team from Easton and will look to extend that streak on November 22.
"It's always a fun and exciting meet," said Samuels. "It will be awesome having it at home and having so many Lehigh fans in the stands cheering us on. It definitely motivates us."
"It's always my favorite meet of the season," echoed Herb.
With a month and a half of training under their belts, the Mountain Hawks are ready to get the meet season underway and improve on last season.
"Our team is much more dedicated this year," said Samuels. "We have a lot clearer focus and determination to achieve our goals.
"We hope to kick off the season the right way this weekend and try to pick up some big wins."
The Mountain Hawks return home the following weekend to take on Colgate in a Saturday afternoon contest. The meet is slated to begin at 1 p.m. at Jacobs Pool.
Story by Connor Cackovic '14
Lehigh finished last season with a 1-5 record during the dual meet season, with the lone win coming against archrival Lafayette. The team had a strong showing at the Patriot League Championships, with several swimmers finishing in the top ten in a range of events and the team finishing fifth overall.
Head coach Rob Herb, who enters his tenth season with the team, expects a breakout season for his young squad that welcomes five freshmen to go along with six sophomores, five juniors and one senior.
"We have a real shot to get several women on the podium at Patriot's this year," said Herb. "We'd also love to see improvement all around, including a winning dual meet record."
Sophomores Courtney Patterson and Carolyn Koch, two swimmers who made a splash as freshmen year breaking multiple school records and qualifying for the championship final in several events, highlight the team. Both garnered All-Patriot League honors at the end of last season following their huge meet performances.
Patterson is part of a group of distance women that enjoyed much success last season as she set school marks in the 500 and 1000 free. Freshmen Kelly Carroll and Cora Summerfield will look to make a huge impact in the distance events right away.
"We have a strong group of freshmen coming in this year," said Samuels. "Most of the girls coming in are going to make a huge impact. It's exciting."
The team will also look to strong performances from juniors Mary Caitlin Samuels and Alissa Leung. Samuels took fifth in the 200 fly at Patriots Last season while adding an 11th place finish in the 100. Leung, the 100 back school record holder, looks to continue her college success as she leads the team in the backstroke and IM events.
The sprinters are led by sophomore standout Carolyn Koch, who looks to build off of a momentous finish to last season. Her group gains a huge boost from freshman Kaitlyn Ruffing, a 50 and 100 freestyler who will also help a lot on relays.
"Our freshman class is a huge strength this year," said Herb. "Kaitlyn Ruffing and Kelly Carroll will especially be a huge wake up call to the league."
The dual meet season is highlighted by a home showdown against archrival Lafayette. Lehigh swam to its fifth consecutive win against the team from Easton and will look to extend that streak on November 22.
"It's always a fun and exciting meet," said Samuels. "It will be awesome having it at home and having so many Lehigh fans in the stands cheering us on. It definitely motivates us."
"It's always my favorite meet of the season," echoed Herb.
With a month and a half of training under their belts, the Mountain Hawks are ready to get the meet season underway and improve on last season.
"Our team is much more dedicated this year," said Samuels. "We have a lot clearer focus and determination to achieve our goals.
"We hope to kick off the season the right way this weekend and try to pick up some big wins."
The Mountain Hawks return home the following weekend to take on Colgate in a Saturday afternoon contest. The meet is slated to begin at 1 p.m. at Jacobs Pool.
Story by Connor Cackovic '14
Interview after win vs Colgate 1/10
Saturday, January 10
Interview after Bucknell win 1/3/25
Saturday, January 03
2025 Lehigh Athletics Holiday Video
Thursday, December 18
Lehigh Sports Central: Women's Wrestling
Thursday, December 11
