Posted: Jan 31, 2015

Swimming Splits with University of New England

CHICOPEE, Mass. - The Elms College swimming teams battled visiting University of New England in a meet at Partyka Natatorium Saturday afternoon. The Blazers men's squad defeated the Nor'easters, 142.5-64.5, while the women's team fell, 152-68.

Prior to the meet, the Blazers honored their two departing seniors, Erika Aponte (Palmer, Mass.) and Niels Thomsen (Southington, Conn.).

On the men's side, sophomore Nick Cirillo (Gloversville, N.Y.) posted victories in the 800 meter freestyle (10:10.88), the 400 meter freestyle (4:36.19) and the 200 meter freestyle (2:06.20). Freshman Nick Bregstrom (Derry, N.H.) claimed first-place in the 50 meter breaststroke (33.93), the 50 meter freestyle (25.98), and the 100 meter freestyle (1:00.27). Freshman DJ Sherman (Winstead, Conn.) took first in the 50 meter butterfly (32.04), the 100 meter butterfly (1:13.50), third in the 800 meter freestyle (10:31.86), Junior Misha Kuyuzov (Chicopee, Mass.) finished tied in first for the 100 meter breaststroke (1:16.47), and second in the 50 meter breaststroke (35.07). Junior James Grippo (Longmeadow, Mass.) won the 50 meter backstroke in a time of 31.96, along with the 100 meter backstroke (1:10.25). Freshman Michael DiPasquale (Meriden, Conn.) tied Sherman for first in the 50 meter butterfly (32.04), and finished third in the 100 meter breaststroke (1:21.92). Thomsen placed second in the 100 meter freestyle (1:01.46), and third in the 50 meter freestyle (27.88) and the 200 meter freestyle (2:22.31). Freshman Rick Giordano (Agawam, Mass.) took second in the 100 meter backstroke (1:35.66), third in the 400 meter freestyle (7:13.91), and fourth in the 50 meter backstroke (43.29). Freshman Tony Luciani (Agawam, Mass.) was fourth in the 200 meter freestyle (3:08.98), sixth in the 50 meter freestyle (35.61) and the 100 meter freestyle (1:21.87). The 200 meter medley relay team of Grippo, Kuyuzov, Bergstrom, and Thomsen claimed first with a time of 2:20.23.

For the women, freshman Ashlee Connors (Springfield, Mass.) won the 50 meter backstroke (34.55), and the 100 meter backstroke (1:18.04). Junior Kim Panetta (Belchertown, Mass.) took second in the 200 meter freestyle (2:31.10) and the 100 meter freestyle (1:09.84), and third in the 50 meter butterfly (35.66). Sophomore Abigail Will (Hopkinton, Mass.) was second in the 100 meter IM (1:20.74), third in the 200 meter freestyle (2:36.34). Aponte finished second in the 50 meter freestyle (31.00), while sophomore Becca Carterud (South Windsor, Mass.) was second in the 100 meter butterfly (1:41.38). Freshman Aislinn Carrier (Charlestown, Mass.) took third in the 50 meter freestyle (32.54), and the 400 meter free (5:32.93), and junior Crystal Archibald (Portland, Maine) claimed third in the 100 meter breaststroke (1:30.39). The 200 meter medley relay team of Connors, Archibald, Will, and Aponte took second with a time of 2:22.80.

The squads will return to the pool for the NESIDA Championship from February 13-15.

ELMS SWIMMING