SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Jan. 14, 2013) – The New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) announced its weekly awards for the period ending January 13 and Mount Holyoke College student-athlete Cathleen Pruden has been recognized. The first year standout was named the Swimmer of the Week following an outstanding effort against league-rivals Clark and Wheaton, along with non-conference foe Simmons.
A native of Raleigh, N.C., Pruden continued to shine in her collegiate debut, posting victories in six events last week, including five individual. In a tri-meet at Wheaton, she won the 1000-freestyle in a time of 10:47.03. She also claimed victory in the 500-free (5:20.17) and the 200-free (1:58.19). As a team, the Lyons defeated Clark by a 168-69 margin, but fell to Wheaton, 123-113.
Pruden capped the week with three victories in Mount Holyoke's 160-97 win against Simmons. In that meet, she won the 50-breaststroke in a time of 32.62 and the 100-free with a mark of 55.44. Additionally, Pruden helped lift the 200-medley relay team to a win with a time of 1:57.79.
Through eight dual meets this season, Pruden has posted 21 victories, averaging at least two wins in each meet. She has broken seven school records as well, including the 100-IM, the 200-free, the 1000-free, 500-free, the 400-IM, the 200-IM and the 200-fly.
A former standout at the Ravencroft School, Pruden was a four-year member of the varsity team in high school. A two-time captain, she earned four consecutive Most Valuable Player honors and was a three time TISAC All-Conference selection. The TISAC Swimmer of the Year as a senior, Pruden was an NCISAA 3A All-State honoree and swam in the NCISAA 3A State Championships and the NCS Senior State Championships for four consecutive seasons.
Mount Holyoke is back in the water this weekend when it travels to Wellesley to compete in the Seven Sisters Championship on Saturday and Sunday. Action begins at 10am both days.
Photo of Pruden courtesy of Doug Keller.
