SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Feb. 6, 2012) – Senior Lydia Bowers was named NEWMAC Swimmer of the Week after leading Mount Holyoke College to a convincing 163-135 triumph over longtime rival Smith College on Saturday. The captain figured in on four first place finishes for the Lyons, who came out on top in 11 of the 16 events.

After touching the wall first in the 50-yard (25.88), 100-yard (55.64) and 200-yard (2:00.69) freestyle races, Bowers joined forces with classmate Sarah Rooney, sophomore Allison Burhoe and first year Rachel Boynton to win the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:52.40).

Bowers has been one of Mount Holyoke's most outstanding performers since joining the program in 2007. Over the course of her career, the freestyler has contributed to 79 victories and currently holds school records in the 200-yard medley relay (1:55.59), the 400-yard medley relay (4:07.12), the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:40.71), the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:41.42) and the 800-yard freestyle relay (8:09.36).

She has racked up 16 wins in the 100-yard freestyle and has also touched the wall first 10 times in both the 50-yard and 200-yard freestyle races. The captain has earned Seven Sisters All-Championship honors in five events and was named to the NEWMAC Academic All-Conference Team after her junior campaign.

Mount Holyoke rounded out its regular season with a dual meet record of 6-3. The Lyons are slated to compete in the NEWMAC Championships at MIT from Friday, February 17 - Sunday, February 19.