Wednesday, Jan. 8 was a truly victorious day for Big Green Women's Swimming and Diving (2-3) both in and out of the pool. After the adminstration's announcement during the day that men's and women's swimming and diving would be reinstated, the team traveled to Middlebury College and impressively defeated the Panthers by a score of 177-118, winning a total of 14 events.
Leading the women's team with two victories each were Lauren Gilhooly '04, Jennifer Kunkel '05 and Dana Charles '06. While Gilhooly earned top honors in the 50-yard freestyle (25.26) and the 100-yard freestyle (54.21), Kunkel won both the 200-yard backstroke (2:11.55) and 400-yard individual medley. Dana Charles captured first in the 100- yard breaststroke (1:08.71) as well as the 200-yard breaststroke (2:32.08).
Other Dartmouth victors included freshman Nicole Zarba in the 200-yard freestyle (1:58.96), senior Julie Kowalsky in the 200-yard fly (2:15.66), senior Karla Leavens in the 100-yard butterfly (1:00.82), and freshman Cary Telander in the 200-yard individual medley (2:15.82).
Both the 200-yard medley relay and the 400-yard freestyle relay also captured first place. Big Green divers also gained several points for the team by taking both first and second places in the one-meter and three- meter events.
All members of the swimming and diving teams concurred that Wednesday was a memorable day for the team. Gilhooly was moved by the team's spirit and depth, commenting that, "Last night's meet showed tremendous accomplishments from all corners of our team. We couldn't be happier to be doing what we're doing, and as always, we embrace the privilege it is to compete."
Freshman Dana Charles attributed some of the evening's athletic success to the victory won earlier in the day by saying, "The news of our team being reinstated really gave our whole team an emotional boost for our meet. My teammates and I are thrilled that we will be able to continue our swimming careers here at Dartmouth."
Big Green women's swimming and diving will next compete at the Rhode Island Invitational on Jan. 10 and 11.
