FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University swimming and diving teams open their season at Rider University on Friday at 5:00 pm and then compete against Manhattan College and Saint Peter's University on Saturday at 11:15 am.
The Stags are looking to build off of last season and are ready to begin competition. “This season I think we will continue to improve and pick up right where we left off last season,” said head coach Janelle Atkinson-Wignall.
Looking at Rider, the men's team is the defending MAAC Champion and was picked to win its fifth consecutive title in the preseason poll. Sophomore Zack Molloy won the first MAAC Swimmer of the Week Award this season while freshman Joe Warker was awarded Diver of the Week.
The Rider women's team was tabbed to finish second in the MAAC this season behind defending champion Marist. The team saw several individual victories in the season opening loss to UMBC last weekend. Breanne Hatter placed first in the 3-merer dive, Hannah Bayer won the 500 freestyle, Kaitlyn O'Connor won the 100 butterfly, and Leeanna Cass won the 200 IM.
Looking at Manhattan, it will be the second meet of the season for the Jaspers. They competed against Marywood and both teams came out victorious. Lance Neuendorf and Brandon Shields helped lead the 200 medley relay to a first place finish. Neiendorf also finished first in the 200 IM. Dylan Cooney set a program record in the 1-meter dive with a score of 229.65.
The women's team saw the same success as the men in their opening meet. Yvonne Corcoran clocked a first place finish in both the 1000 and 500 freestyle. Kathryn Voitik, Sara Buckley, and Alexandra Hutzler all claimed victories of their own in the 100 butterfly, 100 freestyle, and 100 breaststroke.
Looking at Saint Peter's, Saturday will also be the second competition in as many days for the Peacocks. They will open their season on Friday with a tri-meet against Seton Hall and Montclair State.
After this weekend, the Stags will be back in the pool on Friday, October 23 for a tri-meet against Fordham and Monmouth.
