By AJ Mercincavage
The women’s swimming and diving team defeated New Hampshire and host Boston University Saturday to extend its unbeaten streak to nine dual meets.
“We knew going into this meet that it was going to be our toughest competition yet,” said senior co-captain Kara Lane. “I really think that every girl stepped up for this meet.”
Northeastern took first in just four of the meet’s 16 events, but managed to edge BU 154-145 and defeat UNH 175-124.
“It was a total team effort … every point counted,” said Lane, who was named Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Swimmer of the Week.
Among the event winners were Elena Alvarez, winner of the 100-yard breaststroke, Kathrine Fugge, winner of the 50-yard freestyle, and Kara Lane, winner of both the 100 and 200-yard butterfly events.
Outside lane performances proved to be the deciding factor in the Huskies’ victory.
In the 50-yard freestyle, Erica Smotrycz and freshman Sarah Martin finished within three- tenths of a second behind Kathrine Fugge to sweep the event. The same trio of Fugge, Smotrycz and Martin went on to finish second, third and fifth, respectively, in the 100-yard freestyle.
Alex Doty had a season best time of 59.55 seconds in the 100-yard backstroke to finish second in the event. Doty was also a member of the second place 200-yard freestyle relay.
Alicia Negrotti added solid outside lane performances for Northeastern, taking fifth in both the 200-yard butterfly and 500-yard freestyle.
The diving events also boded well for the Huskies, with senior Brooks Wallace placing second and third in the three-meter and one-meter dives, respectively. Courtney Flanagan took third place for Northeastern in the three-meter event.
“I’m extremely proud of my diving teammates because everyone really competed in this meet and rose to the occasion to beat BU and UNH,” said Wallace, who suffered three spinal stress fractures last January. “I am just happy to be healthy enough to dive and contribute to my team’s success. My injury really made me appreciate every second I have on the boards.”
Diver Emily Brandt scored for Northeastern in both diving events, and newcomer Jennyfer Roberts added 30 points to her personal best score.
The Huskies now sit on the verge of a historic season, with a perfect 9-0 record and a victory in BU’s Terrier Invitational. The last time the women’s swim team went undefeated was during the 2001-02 season, when the Huskies went on to win the America East Conference Championship.
Things have changed since then. Northeastern is now in the CAA conference, but the same winning spirit remains with its clear record.
The Huskies’ final dual meet before the CAA Championships will be at Barletta Natatorium against Dartmouth Feb. 9 at noon.
“I’ve never been as pumped to watch the swimmers,” Wallace said of the team’s last meet. “We would really appreciate people coming to watch our last meet on February 9 because the more energy in the pool, the more positive energy we have to stay undefeated.”
