University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
James Madison
Freshmen, Seniors Help Lift Spiders Past Dukes, 167-127
01/31/2009 | Women's Swimming & Diving
Jan. 31, 2009
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND - In its final tune-up before the Atlantic 10 Championship, the Richmond swimming & diving team rolled past James Madison, 167-127, Saturday on Senior Day at the Robins Center Natatorium.
After honoring graduating seniors Lauren Beaudreau, Cara Smaniotto and Julia Bizer before the meet, the Spiders carried the emotion into the pool and set the tone early by winning the first three events, including 1-2 sweeps in two of the three.
"It's always nice to race at home," said head coach Matt Barany. "Our women greatly appreciate the support from their parents, fans and the entire campus community."
The Spiders took the top two spots in the 200 medley relay with the A-relay of Katie Sieben and Beth Ann Platt, Mary Anne Lerro, Jill Smaniotto and Natalie Lewis.
Freshman Alexi Kuska took the second event, winning the 1,000 free in a time of 10:27.25. In the third event - the 200 free - the freshman Brackett out-touched the senior Beaudreau and took the race in a time of 1:54.04. Beaudreau posted a 1:54.52.
In her final meet at the Robins Center Natatorium, Beaudreau picked up individual wins in her premier events - the 200 breast and the 200 IM. She cruised to a four-second victory in the 200 breast in 2:22.54, but was in a dogfight for the IM, winning by .41 seconds in 2:07.28.
Cara Smaniotto finished second in the 100 breast (1:07.55), fourth in the 200 breast (2:31.22) and sixth in the 200 IM (2:17.39). Bizer, who is diving collegiately for the first time this season after a four-year stint on the women's soccer team, was third on both the 1- and 3-meter boards (171.60 points and 153.00 points).
"Although it was Senior Day, I thought our freshmen were the sharpest," said Barany. "This is the right time of the year for them to rise to the occasion."
Brackett led the way for the Spider rookies, contributing to both relay victories, and picking up gold in the 200 free and silver in the 100 fly (59.47). Lerro won the 100 breast (1:06.05) and finished third in the 200 breast (2:27.06), while reigning A-10 Rookie of the Week Alexi Kuska won the 1,000 free (10:27.25) and finished second in the 500 free (5:07.48).
Other Richmond wins came from Sieben in both the 50 free (24.25) and 100 free (52.76) and from LePere in the 200 back (2:05.11).
The Spiders winning 200 free relay was Brackett, Lewis, Alex Helland and Sieben.
Richmond will have two weeks off before its title defense begins in Buffalo at the A-10 Championship on Feb. 17. The Spiders have captured a record seven-consecutive conference titles.
