The Saint Mary's swimming team finished its season by defeating the University of Chicago this weekend, 124-77. The Belles beat Chicago in both relay events, and four swimmers claimed first place in individual events. Senior Megan Ramsey led the Belles to their second win of the year after winning both the 200-yard freestyle in a time of 2:02.77 and the 100-yard butterfly in 1:01.72. Sarah Nowak won the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:12.68. Katie Dingeman took the 100-yard backstroke in 1:14.32, and Maureen Palchak won the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2:02.77.Junior Michelle Stanforth finished fourth in the 100-yard breaststroke and the 200-yard IM. Stanforth's 1:16.62 breaststroke time was her fastest swim in two years.Other notable highlights were third place finishes by Kelly Nelis in the 200-yard freestyle and Julie McGranahan in the 100-yard butterfly. Prior to the meet, Saint Mary's viewed Chicago as the most comparable team they would meet all season - and after a marginal victory, the Belles still view Chicago as a great competitor. "They were very competitive, with a team that is slightly smaller than ours," Saint Mary's swimming coach Greg Petcoff said. "Our girls left the meet with a great deal of respect for them." As the team prepares for the MIAA championships, the win against Chicago will help to boost the confidence of a team that has overcome many obstacles throughout the season. "It was a really difficult season [with] a lot of conflicts, and the team still did very well," Ramsey said. "This was a nice way to lift everyone's spirits." In their preparations, Saint Mary's will reduce the amount of training and begin tapering for the next few weeks. The team hopes to go into the MIAA championships Feb. 19 well rested. "They are not going to see a new Saint Mary's at the championships," Ramsey said. "They are going to see a more rested one that is ready to win."
