SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Junior Alaina Scifo (Ipswich, Great Britain) and sophomores Elin Svard (Falun, Dalarna, Sweden) and Heather Wong (Ramsey, N.J.) each won two events and the Bryant University women's swimming and diving team fended off Iona 161-139 on Saturday afternoon in New Rochelle, N.Y.
Coach Cameron's Comments
"Our team was very resilient today in fighting to the end of the meet. We had a few tough breaks but we also showed a lot of progress in the details we have been working on and showed a lot of heart in the process."
Key Moment
Bryant was able to capitalize on a good diving start in Fairfield, Conn. winning the 200 free, 100 back and 100 breast in sequential order to open up their advantage over the Gaels.
How the Swimmers Fared
- Scifo's two wins came in season-best efforts, winning the 200 free (1:55.04) and 200 back (2:06.69) for the Bulldogs.
- Svard came alive late for the Black and Gold to take home the 100 fly (59.14) and 200 individual medley (2:12.16).
- Wong swept the breaststroke events, winning the 100 breast (1:08.48) and 200 breast (2:27.04).
- Sophomore Alexa Rivera (Boynton Beach, Fla.) won the 100 back (59.56).
- Senior Jillian Rice (Trumbull, Conn.) added a win in the 100 free (53.25).
- The combination of Scifo, Wong, Svard and Rice won the team one of the two relays, taking home first in the 200 medley relay (1:47.92).
Coach LoCurto's Comments
"While we had a lot of bright spots, we still have work to do to meet or exceed last year's performance at this time. There was a lot of very positive improvements in mechanics that will lead to even stronger results as the season progresses."
How the Divers Fared
- Senior Kelci Abernethy (Chandler, Ariz.) finished first in the 3-meter (254.75) and second in the 1-meter (227.85) to lead Bryant's divers in the scoring department.
- Classmate Ann Burdick (Glenmont, N.Y.) also scored on both boards, placing first in the 1-meter (234.60) and third in the 3-meter (209.05).
- Another senior, Carissa Stemen (Naples, Fla.) also scored for the Bulldogs, finishing second in the 3-meter (219.65).
- A fourth senior, Stephanie Jennings (Elmont, N.Y.) finished third in the 1-meter (215.00) to round out the scoring for the Bulldogs.
Stats and Notes
- Freshman Claire Russell (Naperville, Ill.) swam a season-best time in the 1000 free (11:01.56).
- Rivera's win in the 100 back was in season-best fashion.
- Sophomore Alexandra Heim (Middletown, N.J.) swam the 200 free (2:04.05), her quickest in 2018-19.
Up Next
Northeast Conference favorites collide in the pool next weekend when Bryant welcomes Wagner and Central Connecticut for a two-day meet that starts Friday night and continues Saturday afternoon at the Chace Athletic Center Pool.
