FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University swimming & diving team returns to action on Saturday, February 1 when they host MAAC opponent Iona College at the RecPlex Pool. The meet is set for 1pm. Before the meet the Stags will recognize the contributions of their seniors.
Fairfield vs. Iona: Last season, Fairfield fell to Iona on January 26 in New Rochelle, N.Y. The women's team fell 131-112 while the men's team was edged 123-114 by the Gaels. Fairfield has defeated Iona once in their last three meetings.
A Look at the Gaels: The Iona men's team has an overall record of 2-3 so far this season, while the women's team has a record of 1-3. The men have posted victories over St. Francis Brooklyn and Manhattan while the women's team defeated Manhattan. Both teams fell to Seton Hall, Fordham, and Saint Peter's. The Gaels are coming off a loss to MAAC foe St. Peter's on January 25.
Senior Status: Before Saturday's meet, the Stags will be honoring ten student-athletes from the Class of 2014. The seniors include captains Kevin Greener, Margaret Osmulski, Emily Pedrick, and Rich Straub, along with diver Brien Bates and swimmers Megan Kuzniewski, Suzy Lawlor, Bridget McGowan, Cody Parker, and Kyle Rozanitis. Combined, these Stags hold eight individual records and have been a part of 10 relay records, out of a possible 20.
Last Time Out: In the Stags' last competition, on January 25, the men's team was edged by NJIT, 135-127. Sophomore Connor Daly was a part of one relay victory and had three individual victories including the 200y fly, the 200y back, and the 200y IM. Senior Parker captured the 100y fly, and was also the runner-up in the 200y free. In the 100y back, junior Jay Cook and senior Rozanitis took the top two spots. On January 18, the divers hosted the 2014 Stag Diving Invitational where Ashlee Steinberger picked up a victory on the 3-meter and a second-place finish on the 1-meter. Freshman Daniel Pires captured the 1-meter board for the Stags and was the runner-up on the 3-meter while junior Evan Barr captured the 3-meter event and was the runner-up on the 1-meter.
Looking Ahead: After Saturday's meet, Fairfield will travel to Storrs, Conn. to compete in the UConn Husky Open on February 8 at 10am. The 2014 MAAC Swimming & Diving Championships will be held February 13-15, at the Burt Flickinger Center in Buffalo, N.Y. Tickets for the event can be purchased via MAAC.Ticketleap.com.
