BROOKE ATKINS
Asst. Social Media Manager
With a close ending to the meet, the Fredonia women’s 200-yard medley relay team was behind Nazareth until senior Sam Rokos jumped in the pool for the final lap of the relay race.
“As a coach at this point in the season, we are looking for technical refinements as well as extraordinary efforts. Typically, they can swim faster and better each time out,” said Coach Arthur Wang.
Rokos and Nazareth’s swimmer Heffler were swimming side by side with 25 yards to go, until Fredonia pulled ahead by just .13 seconds. The team of Rokos, junior Danielle Dembrow, sophomore Taylor Chwalinski and freshman Caroline Bilotti claimed the highlight of the meet.
Rokos came out strong, claiming three first-place spots in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 25.05, 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2:00.74 and the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:15.37.
The Blue Devils were defeated by a score of 181-117 to the Nazareth Golden Flyers.
Dembrow finished just .05 seconds behind a Nazareth swimmer in the 100-yard breaststroke, and also took second in the 200-yard breaststroke with a time of 2:36.67.
“As a team for diving, we want as many people to qualify to dive for regionals. It is important because that increases the number of people who can dive at nationals. We need to be consistent and confident” said junior Meghan Bartlett.
Bartlett also talked about what her mindset is going into a meet.
“I always want to do my best,” said Bartlett. “I just try to be calm and have a fun time; that is when you do the best you can.”
“As divers we all get excited when someone has a good dive, even if that person is on the opposing team,” said Bartlett.
Still in her first season of collegiate diving, freshman Julie Coomer won her first event of her career. She won the 1-meter board with 225.00. She also finished second at the 3-meter board at 224.95, right behind her teammate junior Samantha Kowalewski, who had a score of 241.80.
Wang also talked about the women’s relay.
“The women’s medley relay was actually the relay that got both teams really excited. Sam Rokos made up a two and a half second stagger swimming in the freestyle leg,” said Wang.
The women will return to the pool on Dec. 4 where they will host the Blue Devil Invitational at Steele Hall.