Tufts captured its second close victory Saturday with a 159-139 win over Bates at Hamilton Pool. Tufts improved to 5-2 on the season, while the Bobcats, with their second loss in a row, fell to 3-4.
The race marked the final home meet for Tufts senior swimmers, including quad-captain Erica Weitz. In her last meet at Hamilton Pool, the senior left on top, finishing first in the 200 yard backstroke (2:16.28) and second in both the 200 butterfly (2:16.23) and the 200 IM (2:17.08).
Other senior swimmers provided significant contributions as well. Quad-captain Sarah Ferranti finished third in the 100-yard backstroke in a time of 1:05.57, and finished fifth in the 100-yard butterfly (1:04.73). Quad-captain Suzy Ascoli finished fourth in the 50 free (26.45) and senior Hollen Spatz contributed a fifth place finish in the 200 free (2:06.82).
"Despite the win, this race really did have a bittersweet feel to it," said coach Nancy Bigelow. "Erica was rock solid, as she usually is, but all the seniors provided excellent leadership."
Unlike races earlier in the season where the team cruised to wide-margin victories, the Jumbos needed strong performances from every team member to pull out this win. Two of the team's first three victories were by comfortable margins, rolling over Wellesley and Brandeis by 41 and 52 points respectively. Recently, the team has had to fight harder for wins, including this 20 point victory and a two point squeaker against Trinity last Saturday.
"This race was completely a team effort," Bigelow commented. "In order to get this win, we needed those fourth and fifth place finishes. The distance swimmers are hanging in there. It is a lot to ask of them to come out and swim these challenging races meet after meet, but they continue to impress."
Both this meet and the Trinity meet have been extremely trying on the team, but Bigelow knows that the tough competition will pay off in the future.
"Having these close races will definitely help make our swimmers tougher and stronger," she said. "Their times keep dropping and this will be a big key at the NESCAC Championships in February."
Sophomore Jessica Bollinger's swimming was key in the Jumbos' win, netting first place finishes in the 1000 freestyle (11:15.08) and the 500 free (5:32.75). Freshman Allison Palomaki also finished first twice, winning the 100 breaststroke (1:09.19) and the 200 breaststroke (2:29.61). Other first place finishers included junior Katie Mims in the 50 free (25.62) and the 400 free relay team (3:45.92).
This Saturday, the team will head to the MIT Invitational, which will pit Tufts against seven teams, including conference rivals Williams and Middlebury. For some swimmers, this meet will be a tune-up for the NESCAC Championships, a last chance to pare down their times.
"This meet is very important for the kids who are going to the championships," said Bigelow. "They will want to perform well in their last race of the year."
Following the meet Saturday, the team will have two weeks off before select Jumbos compete in the NESCAC Championships, which will last from February 18-20.
"I think we are where we want to be right now," said Bigelow. "The season is winding down, but we are ready to make a strong showing at the end of the year meets. It's going to be fun."
