Swimcloud

George Washington Swept by William & Mary

George Washington Men

The George Washington men's swimming and diving team battled William & Mary, but ultimately fell on Saturday afternoon at the Charles E. Smith Center Pool. 

Coming off a week-long training trip and more than a month hiatus from competition, the Colonials were unable to overcome the defending Colonial Athletic Association champion Tribe as William & Mary came out on top, 178-96.

"We knew today would be a tough challenge," said first-year head coach James Winchester. "I am really impressed with the way we're putting our races together. We're beginning to mature and learn how to put together proper races while we're tired and exhausted, which should come back and pay dividends come Atlantic 10 Championships time."

Rookie diver Jake Ortiz claimed victory in the 1-meter and 3-meter events in his first collegiate appearance, as William & Mary began the meet with an 18-point disadvantage with no divers competing. 

"I was really happy with our divers on the boards today," said Coach Winchester. "Jake and classmate Miranda Simon on the women's side earned their first collegiate victories - both coming off of injuries - and were very impressive." 

Freshman Josh Monacelli led the Colonials' swimmers with a pair of second-place finishes on the day, claiming his first runner-up mark in the 100-yard breaststroke (59.89) and taking second in the 200-yard breast (2:09.08). 

Junior Liam Huffman performed well in the distance events, taking second in the 500-yard freestyle (4:48.92) and third in the 1,000-yard free (9:55.00).

Junior Gustav Hokfelt and freshman Patrick Lersch each posted a second-place effort, touching the wall second in the 100-yard backstroke (52.09) and 100-yard freestyle (48.85), respectively. 

Rookie Alexander Auster rounded out GW's top-three finishes on the day, taking third in the 50-yard freestyle (21.98).

The Colonials closed the meet with a third-place finish in the 200-yard free relay, as Auster and Lersch were joined by junior Ben Fitch and sophomore Adam Drury to post a time of 1:26.90.

GW continues a challenging schedule of four meets in 16 days on Saturday, Jan.16, as the Colonials wrap their home slate when crosstown rival Georgetown visits the Smith Center for Senior Day. 


George Washington Women

Freshman Emily Zhang tallied three race victories on Saturday afternoon as the George Washington women's swimming and diving team fell to visiting William & Mary at the Charles E. Smith Center Pool. 

Coming off a week-long training trip and more than a month hiatus from competition, the Colonials were unable to overcome a strong William & Mary program in a 164-106 loss to the Tribe. 

"We knew today would be a tough challenge," said first-year head coach James Winchester. "I am really impressed with the way we're putting our races together. We're beginning to mature and learn how to put together proper races while we're tired and exhausted, which should come back and pay dividends come Atlantic 10 Championships time."

Zhang's first triumph came in the 50-yard freestyle (24.59), and she snagged her second victory in the next event, the 100-yard free (52.63). The rookie wrapped her day by touching the wall first in the 200-yard breaststroke (2:25.63).

"The victories today were very good," said Coach Winchester. "Emily keeps leading the program at this young stage of her career. What's fantastic about Emily is that she's still willing to learn. She comes and works as hard as anyone else, she's encouraging and she's humble in these victories. She knows she's going to face much tougher opposition come A-10 time."

Freshman diver Miranda Simon was credited with a pair of wins for the Colonials, as GW's divers competed despite William & Mary having no divers to participate. Simon took first in the 1-meter and 3-meter competitions, and sophomore Iman Lee finished second in both events. 

"I was really happy with our divers on the boards today," said Coach Winchester. "Freshmen Miranda and and classmate Jake Ortiz on the men's side earned their first collegiate victories - both coming off of injuries - and were very impressive." 

Rookie Lucy Castro logged two top-three finishes, taking second in the 1,000-yard free (10:36.16) and third in the 500-yard free (5:15.89). 

Sophomore Abigail Fusco and junior Lauren Law rounded out GW's best individual efforts, taking second in the 200-yard free (1:55.28) and third in the 200-yard butterfly (2:09.09), respectively.

The Buff and Blue wrapped the meet with a third-place finish in the 200-yard free relay, as the team of Fusco, freshmen Isobel Walker and Caroline Racke and senior Maggie Hofstadter posted a time of 1:40.27. 

The Colonials continue a challenging schedule of four meets in 16 days on Saturday, Jan. 16, as GW wraps its home slate when crosstown rival Georgetown visits the Smith Center for Senior Day. 

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