Terriers Make Splash on Day Two

Terriers Make Splash on Day Two

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BOSTON – The Boston University swimming and diving teams made strong moves in the team standings, overtaking sole possession of first place in both the men’s and women’s competition after day two of the America East Championship.

In men’s action, Boston U. entered the day’s events in fourth place but racked up 223 points on day two and now sits atop the leader board with 285 total points. UMBC is second, just one point behind the Terriers with 284. Binghamton follows in third place with 200 points as Stony Brook (145 points) and Maine (109) round out the five-team men’s field.

Boston U. senior Daniel Kempf propelled the Terriers to their current lead. Kempf became the first swimmer in America East history to break the 20-second mark in the 50 freestyle, clocking in at a record-breaking 19.98 seconds to take gold. Kempf also swam the anchor leg for the Terrier’s winning 200 yard freestyle relay team.

The Terriers also raced to second-place marks in the 200 individual medley (Nik Astashinky) and in the 500 freestyle (Jeffrey Thomas).

The second-place Retrievers had their own record-breaking performance in the 200 IM. Mohamed Hussein smashed the meet and America East record with his time of 1:47.64 to pick up 20 points for UMBC.

UMBC’s Pierre De Waal defended his 500 freestyle crown touching the wall in 4:27.30 while the Retriever men also picked up points from second-place finishes in the 50 free (Stephen Gallagher) and 200 freestyle relay.

Nolan Slesnick (500 free) and Josh Sacurrato (200 IM) both turned in third-place finishes to keep Binghamton within striking distance headed into day three.

On the women’s side, Boston U. jumped into the lead with 256 points. New Hampshire is a close second at 238.5. UMBC checks in at the third spot with 233 points and Vermont holds steady in fourth with 150 points. Stony Brook (142 points), Binghamton (127) and Maine (115.5) complete the field.

The Terriers and Retrievers entered day two tied for the lead but two Boston U. wins and three second-place finishes propelled them into the top spot. Amanda Schmitz and Meaghan Grimes went 1-2 in the 500 yard freestyle. Schmitz won with a time of 4:50.39 while Grimes was not far behind in 4:50.67. Junior diver Melinda Matyas won the 3-meter dive title for the second straight year with a score of 277.85, edging out teammate Chelsea Glincman. Kendra Cheng also brought home the silver in the 200 IM with a time of 2:02.73.

New Hampshire made its move into second place after a record-breaking performance from freshman Katie Mann. The rookie swimmer set a meet and America East record in the 200 IM with her time of 2:01.32 picking up crucial points for the Wildcats.

UMBC took the top spot in two events on day two. Abbey McKenney, last year’s Most Outstanding Female Swimmer, defended her 50 free title winning with a time of 23.60. The Retrievers also took gold in the 200 freestyle relay with McKenney swimming the lead leg.

The 2012 America East Swimming and Diving Championship continues tomorrow at 10 a.m with preliminary action from the Boston University Aquatics Center.