The Simmons College swimming and diving team got back into action on Saturday and closed out the home portion of their schedule in style with a 154-125 win over Mt. Holyoke. The Sharks were coming off a week of training in Florida and it looked as though it had done some good after the long holiday layover. Keri-Ann Arsenault and Hannah McQuillen got the Sharks started in the right direction as they took first and second in the 1000 yard freestyle. Caitlin Urcioli followed tat up with a win in the 200 free. Simmons took control in the diving portion when Heather O'Connell qualified for New Englands with her score of 177.85 Brittany Torelli (100 free) and Kaitlyn Ellis (100 backstroke) followed that up with wins of their own. Arsenault then salted the victory away with a win in the 500 yard free and a second place finish in the 200 Individual Medley. The meet was also the final home meet for three Simmons seniors, Whitney Airgood, Carolyn Farmer, and Elizabeth Chan.
Airgood was a first year swimmer, and a member of the winning GNAC freestyle relay at last month's championships. She is also a four year member of the crew team. Coach Backlund says about Whitney, "She's been a wonderful addition to the team, and helped the whole group understand what hard work and training is all about." Farmer spent the last semester in Alaska, but is three year New England qualifier and was back for her first home meet of the season, and final one of her career. "She's a wonderful member of the program, who always has a smile on her face, and gives her best 100 percent of the time," Backlund said. Chan was a four year performer, and senior captain. She is standout with numerous GNAC championships, and a New England Finalist. This season she won the 50 yard breaststroke and the 200 IM at last month's conference championship. "She's an excellent teammate, who works hard to bring the team together in and out of the pool," Backlund said. On behalf of Simmons athletics and the College, we thank all three of you and your parents for your hard work, dedication and contributions to our community in your time here at Simmons.
