Women's Swimming & Diving Step Up to Top-Tier Competition

Violets Not Intimidated by Division I Opponents

Maria Woodman helped the 400 medley relay to an eighth-place finish.

If their last meet has taught the New York University women's swimming & diving anything, it's that the Violets have the poise and talent to further expand an already impressive season. On Saturday, Nov. 14, NYU concluded the second day of the Princeton University Invitational.

The Violets faced three Division I programs in host Princeton, Fordham University, and Bucknell University. Although there was no team scoring, it was evident that NYU could stay competitive with the other schools.

Sophomore Molly Rippe had the highest individual Violet finish of the weekend. Her time of 17:32.86 in the one-mile freestyle was enough for seventh place. Senior co-captain Danielle Hildebrandt raced to a 14th-place time of 1:58.34 in the 200 freestyle. Megan Rappa garnered a 13th-place finish in the 400 individual medley (4:46.79).

NYU's "A" 800 freestyle relay squad claimed eighth place with a time of 8.05.33. Rippe, Hildebrandt, as well as freshmen Claire Stephens and Savannah Keator lined that relay. On Friday, the NYU 400 medley relay, behind sophomore Kristen Fujii, junior Maria Woodman, freshman Noel Elgamal, and Keator, also posted an eighth-place finish (4:11.51).

"We did a great job against a high level of competition," said NYU assistant coach Erik Brandl. "We got out the jitters of facing Division I competition, and performed well."

On the diving board, sophomore Kelly Dietz claimed sixth place in the one-meter dive (220.35) and fourth place in the three-meter dive (231.45).

"We've added some harder dives to our list, and those dives are coming along great," said NYU diving coach Scott Donie. "Everyone did a great job this weekend, and I thought we really held our own against the competition."

"In order to be the best, you have to swim against the best," added Brandl. "I think this weekend's competition was beneficial, and will really set us up for the rest of the season."

The Violets return to action on Saturday, Nov. 21, when they face Swarthmore College on the road. NYU will put its perfect (5-0) record on the line. Last season, the Violets topped Swarthmore 135-63.