10/15/2009 9:48:22 AM
Millersville, Pa.- The Millersville women's swimming team will begin the 2009-10 season with a home-opener on Friday evening. The squad will face Mansfield, which it defeated last season 154-40, in Pucillo Natatorium at 6 p.m.
In 2008-09, head women’s swimming coach Kyle Almoney guided the Marauders to their third straight winning season, marking the first time the program had accomplished the feat since 1994. This year, the squad has set goals to move up in the PSAC.
“I expect big things, and I expect to grow as we move along this season,” said Almoney. “My goal is to have 10 qualifiers for the PSAC Championships.”
Five Marauders, three of which are returners, qualified for the PSAC Championships last year in addition to making significant contributions to the team’s 7-3 dual record. The 2008-09 team was named one of the College Swimming Coaches Association of America Academic All-American teams for its exceptional achievements in the classroom as well.
With 11 newcomers this year, Almoney looks forward to seeing their development and progress.
“We are a young team but we are a talented team,” said Almoney. “It will be interesting to see how quickly they mature. Depth is a key element to our success. This is a strong team, top to bottom. It’s important to be deep.”
Four years ago, Almoney led the Marauders to their only undefeated season in the team’s history. Then, the team broke seven school records, in addition to earning Academic All-America status. “We are trying to get back to an undefeated season, like we had four years ago,” said Almoney.
In order to achieve such success, Almoney looks to all of his swimmers for leadership. Junior Lauren Jendzurski was nominated team captain this year and is stepping comfortably into her leadership role. Nevertheless, Almoney expects the whole team to provide guidance and push each other toward accomplishing their goals.
“There is going to be senior leadership this season, not only in the pool but outside as well,” Almoney explained.
With a balanced group of underclassmen who are ready to contribute, the Marauders are on the right track to success.
Freestyle
Millersville looks to Amy Leiphart and Vicky DeTample to lead the team in distance freestyle this year. Leiphart and DeTample swam the third and fourth legs of the Marauders’ season best time (8:24.29) in the 800-yard freestyle relay at the PSAC Championships last season. Freshman Lauren Castello is also expected to be a major contributor to the distance events.
Senior Christina Breznak is projected to play a big role for the sprinters, both in and out of the pool. New editions to the freestyle squad include freshmen Sarah Bernhardt, Maribeth Jaeske, Christine Neville and Sara Steinagel, who will bring depth and valuable points in dual meet action.
Breaststroke
The Marauders hope to see continued success from Breann Martinez and Courtney Wallace in the breaststroke this season. Martinez holds the top three best times for the 100 breast from last season, in addition to claiming two of top five spots in the 200. Wallace holds the top time, as well as third and fifth, for the 200.
Additionally, Sara Keenan and freshman Clarissa Stauffer are expected to show much improvement, and will be looked to be a force in these events.
Butterfly
The flyers are the Marauders’ deepest group this year, starting with sophomore Amie Mowery who Almoney claims is a juggernaut in the 200. Mowery holds claim to the top two times in the 400-yard individual medley from last season and was a member of the 400-yard medley relay which posted a season best time of 4:16.43 at the PSAC Championships. Returners Martinez and senior Becca Laufer will also add depth in the sprints. Also figure on Bernhardt contributing, as she placed first in Cape Atlantic League Championships’ 100-yard butterfly event in high school.
Backstroke
There will be several contributors to the backstroke this year, including Jendzurski and Keenan. Newcomer ArielleWalbert, who was a four-year league and state qualifier as well as district champion in the 100-yard back, will earn points for the team this season. Kelsie Jones, a league champion in the back, along with Stephanie Mouthaan, will add experience and depth to these events.
Individual Medley
Mowery set the team’s top two times in the 400-yard individual medley in 2008-09 and is just one of many Marauders expected to compete in the IM this season. Walbert and Jones are both expected to make an immediate impact on the event.
With a very versatile and deep team this season, Almoney and the Marauders expect great success. With several PSAC Championship opportunities, the team will look to reach new levels of achievement.
