Men
The Amherst men’s swimming and diving team was in action three times over interterm, emerging with an overall 5-1 record.
Middlebury limped into Amherst on Dec. 7 with a 0-2 record. The Jeffs beat the Panthers handily, 183-100. First-year Greg Han’s time of 2:06.85 in the 200-yard breaststroke broke a pool record set by Williams College’s Tyler Bonewell ’09.
Despite his accomplishment, Han was focused more on the next meet against archrival Williams at home on Jan.11. “I’m excited for Amherst vs. Williams, where I can race their swimmers, not just their records.”
Amherst jumped out of the gates quickly as Conor Deveney ’15, Tyler Bulakul ’14, Tyler Hampton ’15 and Han together set a pool record in the 400-yard medley relay.
Following the relay victory, the Jeffs gained momentum and took the lead. Amherst nearly won four straight events as Williams’ Benjamin Lin narrowly beat Deveney in the 200-yard backstroke.
The Jeffs conceded the top two spots to Williams in the 500-yard freestyle, but won the last three events to complete the sensational comeback. The final score of 127-115 underlined just how close the meet was.
“It was always going to be tough, and we were prepared for a very close meet, which it was,” said sophomore Vic Sun. “It feels great to have taken down our biggest rivals, but we have to refocus on winning NESCACs starting tomorrow.”
Amherst continued their road to NESCACs with a trip to Div. III juggernaut MIT. MIT won the first seven events before Deveney secured Amherst’s first win in the 200-yard backstroke with an impressive time of 1:53.21. The Jeffs reasserted their dominance in diving, as Mark Idleman ’15 won the 3-meter dive and Lichtig completed his return from injury to win the 1-meter dive.
Although Amherst lost 185-115, there were still plenty of positives to take away.
“It’s never a good feeling to lose,” said Lichtig, “but I think this meet teaches us some very valuable lessons that we can take going forward.”
The Jeffs get the opportunity to redeem themselves at the Middlebury Invitational on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.
Women
Amherst women’s swimming and diving team took a 3-0 record into winter break and struggled during interterm.
The Jeffs continued their dominance in NESCACs Dec. 7th by defeating Middlebury 183-111. Amherst dominated the majority of the events and only lost three.
Amherst’s first test of the season came in the form of archrival Williams. The Ephs visited on Jan. 11 determined to get revenge for losing the NESCAC title last season. The Jeffs got off to a strong start in the 200-yard medley relay, as Sabrina Lee ’15, Sarah Conklin ’16, Emily Hyde ’16, and Lulu Belak ’14 put up an impressive time of 1:47.17. Williams took the 1000-yard and 200-yard freestyle races as Amherst struggled. But the Jeffs didn’t accept defeat, as Lee won the 100-yard backstroke and Hyde won the 100 and 200-yard breaststroke races.
Williams pulled away by winning the next five events. Twice Amherst tried to claw their way back into the competition, but couldn’t overcome the deficit and suffered their first defeat of the season 189-104.
The Jeffs next traveled to MIT on Jan. 25 looking to avoid consecutive defeats. The Jeffs were determined to redeem themselves, and a number of individuals performed well. Hyde continued her impressive swimming by winning the 100-yard breaststroke and 200-IM. Conklin continued to contribute by winning the 200-yard butterfly The final score was 158-129.
Asked if they were disappointed by the past two meets, captain Anna Pietrantonio ’14 said, “They weren’t disappointing losses. We’ve been working hard and swimming well, overall. We have a small team, and Williams and MIT are tough competitors, so we’re pleased with our performance.”
The Jeffs next travel to Middlebury for the Middlebury Invitational on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.
