The women's swimming team claimed its second consecutive win Saturday, 139-124 over a tough Bowdoin team that boasts one of the top swimmers in the NESCAC, sophomore Katie Chapman.
Tufts overcame Chapman and the other Polar Bear swimmers to pull away for the victory. The final score looked closer than it actually was, as the Jumbos had clinched the victory before Bowdoin added some points in the last few events.
"Katie Chapman is an All-American and one of the best swimmers in the NESCAC, but our swimmers gave her tough races," coach Nancy Bigelow said. "In fact, in the last relay, she really had to come from behind and barely won."
Besides swimming the final leg for the foursome that won the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:45.40), Chapman placed first in the 200 individual medley (2:14.51), the 100 free (55.19) and the 200 free (1:57.43). She did not win these easily, though. Senior quad-captain Erica Weitz gave her all she could handle in the 200 IM, finishing with a time of 2:15.94, just over a second off the pace. Senior quad-captain Suzi Ascoli and freshman Tia Bassano also challenged Chapman in the 100 and 200 freestyle, respectively, each placing second.
"This was an excellent win," said Bigelow. "The girls tested themselves against the best and did very well, which is always a good sign."
Individually, Tufts received some very strong performances. Freshman Bianca Spinosa continued to swim well with a first place finish in the 100 butterfly (1:00.53) and a second place finish in the 200 fly (2:17.54). She finished behind Weitz, who won with a time of 2:15.22. She also won the 500 free (5:26.74).
The Jumbo's depth showed as the team got solid contributions from a number of other swimmers as well. Sophomore Jessica Bollinger won the 1000 free (11:21.06), freshman Allison Palomaki won the 100 breaststroke (1:09.06) and junior Katie Mims won the 50 free (25.88).
"Katie has been sick, but she's been a trooper," said Bigelow. "Also, though Bianca is a sprinter, she has been swimming the 200 fly for us. I think she has gets faster every time she swims it."
Several members of the team have had to battle through some illnesses lately,
however they have not let this affect their performances. The season is also at the point when many of the swimmers have much on their plates.
"The girls are just plugging along through it and trying to conquer their sicknesses," said Bigelow. "It is tough because the kids are exhausted, sick and trying to study at the same time as trying to participate in athletics. It's a lot to ask."
The swimmers have appreciated that the coaches are aware of their situation.
"It is really difficult to keep up with everything right now," said Weitz. "Coaches are pretty understanding, though. They know there's a lot going on."
The practices are also beneficial for the swimmers.
"It provides us with a good one and a half hour break from studying and everything else that's going on," Weitz commented. "A lot of things are stressful right now, but this gives us sort of an escape."
Once again on Saturday the team was without any divers. Bowdoin, only had one diver of its own, however, so instead of a 32 point hole, Tufts was only down nine points to start. Bigelow believes that there is a chance freshman Carol Ventura may be ready to dive this weekend.
In its final meet before winter break, the Jumbos will host Brandeis Saturday at Hamilton Pool. The meet, against a weaker opponent, should give Bigelow a chance to give other swimmers opportunities.
"Brandeis just doesn't have the depth we do, but we still have to come ready to swim," she said. "Hopefully we can get some people swimming in events they haven't had the opportunity to swim in yet because of some closer meets."
The team will try to end the first half of the season on a positive note. Weitz likes where the team stands at this point.
"We are really coming together as a team now since we've had a few meets together," she said. "Everyone is stepping up and doing their part."
