By Andrew Lichtenauer
Contributing Writer
The men’s and women’s swimming teams each won their two meets this weekend, starting the season off with a 2-0 record. Saturday’s meet was at George Mason and Sunday’s was at George Washington.
After trailing George Mason 138-124 late, the men took the first three positions in the 400-yard individual medley, coming from behind to win 153-145. Mike Nicholson ’14 claimed the 400 IM crown, beating out teammates Billy Krause ’13 and Jonathan Podniesinski ’11 as the Bison cut their deficit significantly with only one event remaining. Overall, the Bison had eight first-place finishes against George Mason, with Eric Sokolosky ’11, Christian Treat ’13 and Podniesinski each winning individual races.
In their second meet of the weekend, the men’s team defeated George Washington 157-100. The team was led by Nicholson, Thomas Brown ’12 and Sokolosky, who each won two events. Nicholson has won seven individual races in his first three meets as a Bison.
“Personally, I think that I was able to be successful because of the pressure that is involved in a close dual meet … it really motivates me to perform my best,” Nicholson said.
The women also had a successful weekend. The team beat George Mason 165-132, taking four of the top five positions in the 400-yard individual medley and two of the top three spots in the 200 free relay. Kelly Pontecorvo ’14 won both the 1,650 free and 500 free in the team’s first official victory.
“Having my teammates challenge me in practice every day and then constantly cheering and supporting me at the meet is the ultimate motivator and most definitely the reason for any success I have in the pool,” Pontecorvo said.
In its second meet, the women’s team beat George Washington 151.5-105.5, claiming the top spot in 10 of the first 12 events. Jennifer Brennan ’14 was the only swimmer to win two events, taking first in both the 100- and 200-meter backstroke.
The men’s and women’s squads will return to the pool in two weeks on Nov. 6 in a quad meet with American, Lafayette and Navy. This will be the first home meet for the Orange and Blue. Competition begins at 12 p.m. in Kinney Natatorium.
