Women's swimming back with a vengeance

Last week, MIT handed the men's swim team its first loss of the season. After nearly a week of rehashing the six-point loss, the squad returned to the pool to face Trinity College on Saturday. Unfortunately for the Bantams, the Jumbos were eager to erase the MIT loss from memory and prove that they still belong in the NESCAC elite.

The message could not have been clearer. Tufts traveled to Trinity College and dominated, winning 233-62. With the victory, the Jumbos boost their record to 6-1 overall with 3-0 NESCAC mark. Tufts surrendered only two events all afternoon, the 50-yard freestyle and the 50 butterfly. Every other event was won by a Jumbo, including both relays and both diving competitions.

Tufts had a strong start to the meet, grabbing the first two spots in the 400 medley relay. Freshman Andrew Burbach led the "B" team to victory, finishing the last 100 yards in less than 50 seconds _ something none of the other swimmers competing in the event were able to do.

Other notable Jumbo performances include junior Aeric Solow's effort in the 400 individual medley. Solow earned nine points for the team with his victory _ grabbing the wall at 4:21.92 (unshaven), a personal best.

"I think I'm setting up to have a good season," Solow said. "I'm pretty excited about the rest of the season, both personally and also for what our team is going to do."

Sophomore Michael Rochette also achieved a personal best on Saturday winning the 50 breaststroke by more than two seconds (28.29 unshaven), and breaking a Trinity pool record in the process.

"The time is right where I want to be going into championships," Rochette said.

Another Trinity pool record was broken by a Jumbo on Saturday. In the 100 individual medley, junior Jamie Meyers won by .3 seconds (58.39) to seize first place honors and a home in the Trinity record books.

"It was a very good meet," coach Don Megerle said. "The kids are really beginning to race faster and smarter _ paying more attention to their splits which will enable them to improve."

Senior tri-captain Ed Edson, who has quickly emerged as one of the team's premier swimmers, captured the 500 freestyle with a time of 4:58.03, a personal best (unshaven).

According to Coach Megerle, the improved times are a result of polished techniques, like pacing, and intense mental training.

"Everyone's vying for a spot on the New England team, so they're stepping it up," Megerle said in reference to the upcoming NESCAC Championships which will take place between Feb. 28 and March 2

Senior diver Connell Cloyd won both the one-meter and three-meter competition in a second straight strong performance from the Tufts divers.

"I'm feeling confident," Cloyd said. "Having the support of my team is important. I don't want to disappoint them."

"I was very impressed with the diving," Megerle said.

The loss extended Trinity's losing streak to six. They now hold a dismal 0-6 duel-meet record.

The Jumbos' next meet will come on Saturday at 1 p.m. against Bates in the Hamilton Pool, where the team will try to maintain its unblemished NESCAC record. The Bobcats hold a respectable 4-3 record (2-3 NESCAC) coming into their meet with the Jumbos.

In the NESCAC, the team to beat thus far, appears to be Amherst. The Lord Jeffs are 6-0 going into their meet at MIT this Saturday. Against NESCAC foes, Amherst holds a 5-0 record, including a close victory over bitter rival and swimming _ powerhouse Williams.

With only three meets remaining before the NESCAC Championships at Williams, the Jumbos will use the remaining competitions to refine their roster and prepare to peak in March.