University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
William & Mary
Richmond Swimming Downs William & Mary, 154-140, On Senior Day
01/27/2008 | Women's Swimming & Diving
Jan. 27, 2008
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - In its only home meet of the season, the Richmond swimming team defeated William & Mary, 154-140, Sunday afternoon at the Robins Center Natatorium. Jessica Witt, who was recognized before the meet as one two graduating seniors, won three individual events to lead the Spiders.
Richmond set the tone early, taking the top two spots in the meet's first event - the 200 medley relay - and the homestanding Spiders led wire-to-wire after that.
The relay of Alex Helland, Lauren Beaudreau, Kylie Francis, Cara Smaniotto, Katie Sieben and Hannah Marlow (3:58.90).
"We changed things up a bit," said head coach Matt Barany. "I asked the girls early in the week if they wanted to take a risk. They did. So we adjusted the two relays in an attempt to finish one-two. They executed the plan and it took a total team effort."
Before the meet, Witt and Andrea Denney were recognized as the two graduating seniors on the Richmond club. They have played a part in helping the Spiders win three of their six-consecutive Atlantic 10 Conference Championships.
Witt, a two-time All-American, won the 1,000 free (10:24.88), the 200 fly (2:06.12) and the 500 free (5:02.51) in helping Richmond take one more step towards defending its A-10 Championship for an unprecedented seventh-consecutive time.
"Jess swam well today and won three individual events," said Barany. "But we look at these meets as steps towards the A-10 meet and we still have some work to do."
Beaudreau also had a big day. Along with helping the the 200 medley relay to victory, the junior won the 100 breast (1:05.64), the 200 breast (2:21.76) and the 200 IM (2:09.37).
Katie Sieben won the 100 fly (57.89).
The Spiders return to action Saturday, Feb. 2 with a dual meet versus James Madison in Harrisonburg at 1 p.m.
