BY Bryana Cielo
Editor in Chief
The Sacred Heart women’s swimming and diving team competed in the Northeast Conference (NEC) Championships from Feb.19-22 in Long Island, NY.
The NEC Championships were the culmination of a 13-meet regular season, facing in and out-of-conference opponents between the months of October and February.
Tammy Petrucelli, the Sport Administrator for women’s swimming and diving, has been in attendance for many of the team’s meets this season, including the NEC Championships.
“With training starting the second week of the [first] semester, it’s during that time where the team is working to get to know each other and find their groove. As the months have progressed, 27 individuals started to blend together to create one team,” said Petrucelli.
Some of the team’s highlights from the weekend include sophomore Nicole Tingley breaking two of her own records: The 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:07.51 and the 400-yard individual medley with a time of 4:32.80.
In the 100-yard butterfly, Emily Peter placed ninth with a 57.00, and Taylor Eck placed 14th with a time of 57.89.
In the 200-yard backstroke, freshman Casey Barrett took eighth place with a time of 2:06.94. She also placed 14th in the 100-yard backstroke, swimming it in 58.97.
The first diving portion took place on Thursday, with 1-meter diving. Sophomore Molly Martin earned fifth place. Also, Meghan McLaughlin placed seventh and Martin made her way onto the podium in 3 meter diving, earning third place in the diving portion on Saturday night. McLaughlin also made the top eight, earning seventh place.
When reflecting, head coach John Spadafina was happy with the outcome of the season.
“The energy of the team was great. I was proud of how we performed, and our training paid off this year,” said Spadafina.
With the end of the season, the team loses six graduating seniors: Victoria Catizone, Bryana Cielo, Shanna Haddow, Sarah Hensal, Nicole Rudis and Lauren Somers. Throughout their four years, they have contributed on and off the pool deck.
“I love how much the team cheers each other on, and as a graduating senior, I’m going to miss my second family,” said senior freestyler Lauren Somers.
Spadafina said that the senior class has brought a lot to the team, and that they will be missed.
“It’s had its ups and downs, it’s definitely brought me some of my best friends and best memories. It has definitely taught me so many things I’ll be able to bring into my career. I wouldn’t change it for the world,” said Somers.
Petrucelli sees a lot of potential for the Pioneers going into the 2020-21 season.
“I see a lot of positive growth and opportunity for the student athletes associated with the swim and dive program. The ability to balance the rigors of academics and being a Division 1 competitive student athlete is an awesome responsibility and something students don’t take lightly,” said Petrucelli. “I think it’s the character of the students and the dedication and drive they have will continue to see great advancements for the program. I’m proud to be part of the student athlete’s journey.”
Overall, Sacred Heart’s team placed sixth out of nine teams, with Bryant University taking first place for the third year in a row. The Pioneers scored a total of 277 points throughout the weekend.
