NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (Jan. 22, 2012) – The Mount Holyoke College swimming and diving team used standout efforts from senior Lydia Bowers and first year Maya Lazarovich to secure third place at the annual Seven Sisters Championship this weekend at Smith College.
Wellesley College piled up 1,229 points en route to its 15th straight title. The Blue touched the wall first 11 times and used their overall team depth to create separation. They were paced by Keelin Nave, who collected seven wins. Vassar College grabbed second place with 796 points, while Mount Holyoke took third with 637. Smith (549) and Bryn Mawr College (384) rounded out the field.
The competition began with 13 events yesterday and concluded with seven more today. Champions in each race were placed on the All-Championship Team.
Bowers and Lazarovich figured in on four victories to set the tone for the Lyons.
After teaming up with first year Rachel Boynton and sophomore Lauren Williams to win the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:44.05), they joined forces with Williams and sophomore Joselyn Auxer to post the top time in the 200-yard medley relay (1:57.05).
Bowers went on to claim individual victories in the 50-yard (25.23) and 200-yard (2:00.73) freestyle races. She also chipped in with a second place showing in the 100-yard freestyle (55.14).
Not to be outdone, Lazarovich came up with wins in the 100-yard (1:11.18) and 200-yard (2:30.56) breaststroke events. She also secured second place in the 200-yard individual medley (2:17.07).
The tandem closed out their weekend with a second place finish in the 400-yard medley relay (3:46.00). Their teammates for the race were Boynton and Williams.
Williams added second place performances in the 50-yard freestyle (26.01) and 100-yard backstroke (1:03.10) competitions.
Saturday's banquet featured the unveiling of the Marly Pineda Seven Sisters Award. Pineda, who was a member of the Smith swimming and diving program as both an athlete and coach, passed away tragically in 2010. The award will be handed out annually to the swimmer or diver who best exemplifies the dedication, passion, selflessness, sportsmanship and spirit of a champion that defined her. Each honoree will also be known for their positive attitude, their commitment toward making everyone around them feel welcomed and supported and their "never ever" give up spirit.
Senior Jenny Price of Smith was this year's recipient. The award was backdated and given to members of the classes of 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, who had a chance to compete with Pineda from each of the five schools. Mount Holyoke's recipients included Grace Bauer '08, Lisa Nash '09 and Shannon Sutherland '10.
The Lyons (5-2) will round out their home slate against Wellesley next Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
Final Standings
1. Wellesley College – 1,229 points
2. Vassar College – 796 points
3. Mount Holyoke College – 637 points
4. Smith College – 549 points
5. Bryn Mawr College – 384 points
All-Championship Team
200-yard Freestyle Relay – Lauren Williams, Rachel Boynton, Maya Lazarovich, Lydia Bowers (Mount Holyoke) - 1:44.05
500-yard Freestyle – Keelin Nave (Wellesley) – 5:11.37
200-yard Individual Medley – Caroline Shannon (Vassar) – 2:14.58
50-yard Freestyle – Lydia Bowers (Mount Holyoke) - 25.23
400-yard Medley Relay – Emma Mrkonic, Annie Hamilton, Keelin Nave, Monica Gates (Wellesley) - 4:10.89
200-yard Medley Relay – Lauren Williams, Maya Lazarovich, Joselyn Auxer, Lydia Bowers (Mount Holyoke) – 1:57.05
400-yard Individual Medley – Caroline Shannon (Vassar) – 4:45.01
100-yard Butterfly – Keelin Nave (Wellesley) – 59.21
200-yard Freestyle – Lydia Bowers (Mount Holyoke) - 2:00.73
100-yard Breaststroke – Maya Lazarovich (Mount Holyoke) – 1:11.18
100-yard Backstroke – Emma Mrkonic (Wellesley) – 1:02.20
800-yard Freestyle Relay – Annie Hamilton, Olivia Hulme, Stephanie Welch, Keelin Nave (Wellesley) – 8:08.95
1-Meter Diving – Hayley Goydan (Wellesley) – 439.50
3-Meter Diving – Hayley Goydan (Wellesley) – 441.35
1,650-yard Freestyle – Mackenzie Bradley (Smith) – 18:30.37
200-yard Backstroke – Veronica Lin (Wellesley) – 2:13.78
100-yard Freestyle – Keelin Nave (Wellesley) – 53.53
200-yard Breaststroke – Maya Lazarovich (Mount Holyoke) – 2:30.56
200-yard Butterfly – Keelin Nave (Wellesley) – 2:11.92
400-yard Freestyle Relay – Maria Amirkhanashvili, Emma Mrkonic, Monica Gates, Keelin Nave (Wellesley) – 3:42.75
