Swimming and Diving Prepares for Lafayette Showdown on Friday

Friday, November 20

Easton, Pa.

6PM

Lehigh University

Lafayette

Swimming and Diving Prepares for Lafayette Showdown on Friday

11/18/2015 4:33:00 PM | Men's Swimming and Diving, Women's Swimming and Diving

History and Traditions: Lehigh vs. Lafayette

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Following a nearly three week layoff, the Lehigh University swimming and diving teams will return to action this Friday evening with their annual showdown against Lafayette College. Both will look to extend their current winning streaks, with the men (3-3) having won two straight and three of their last four, while the women (4-1) will be seeking their fifth consecutive win.

"Lafayette is one of our main objectives and priorities," said head coach Rob Herb. "We go after them like we go after any of the top competitors in the Patriot League."

The Mountain Hawks last swam on Halloween afternoon against Colgate. Cora Summerfield, Kaitlyn Ruffing, Sydney Bornstein, Courtney Patterson and Megan Schappert were all among the individual winners. As a freshman, Kate Bergin has won the 200 yard backstroke in each of the last three meets, while Kelly Carroll has done the same in the 200 yard IM. Bornstein has been victorious in all four 200 yard butterfly events this season, and Ruffing has captured first in all four 50 yard freestyles, and three of her four 100 freestyles.

"Kaitlyn Ruffing has been better than ever, and she's pulling a lot of girls along with her," Herb said. "Courtney Ferreira is doing really well in the sprints along with a host of others in their events."

The men have seen five wins from Jason Ewart in the 100 and 200 backstrokes, while Jacob Moyar has supplied nine total wins through the first four meets of the season. Jamal Willis has tallied three wins in the 50 free, including a new pool record of 21.07 at Rider on Oct. 24. Justin White has picked up a trio of 100 freestyle victories, and senior Jake Hassel has added two wins at the 200 butterfly and 500 freestyle.

"The sprints are our dominant area (on the men's side)," Herb said. "Justin, Jamal and Zach Tieke have given us a majority of points in a needed area. The strokers of Jacob Moyar and Jake Hassel round out that group."

The year's rivalry will feature a new event, the 100 yard individual medley. New to the NCAA this year, the 100 yard IM is one of three IM events that can be used during a meet, along with the 200 and 400 IMs.

"The men's meet is going to be closer than it has ever been," Herb added. "A little bit of rest and a little bit of Lafayette will make us swim very fast."

With their primary divers sidelined, the Mountain Hawks will also put two swimmers on the board this Friday, with Schappert diving for the second straight meet, and Sean Daugherty stepping up on the men's side.

"We have this feeling on our team that everyone is willing to do what they need to do to help us be the strongest team we can," Herb said. "Their passion is swimming, but their passion ultimately is helping the team out, so it's a big contribution there."

Lehigh has dominated the rivalry in recent years, sweeping the Leopards in each of the last seven matchups dating back to the 2008-09 season. The women have won the last seven matchups, while the men will be seeking their 25th straight win.

Friday's meet is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start at Ruef Natatorium, located inside the Kirby Sports Center in Easton, Pa.