The Belles look to extend their success this weekend at the University of Chicago Maroon Invitational. Saint Mary's is coming off its first victory of the season as it defeated Rose-Hulman by a score of 155-117.
Last year, the Belles beat the Maroons 124-77. In the meet, Kelly Nelis placed third in the 200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle, while Sarah Nowak finished first in the 100-yard breaststroke. She was also second in the 50-yard freestyle as well as the 100-yard freestyle.
Bridget Lebiedz will look to improve upon her fourth-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly. In the 100-yard backstroke, Katie Dingman who finished first last year, will be a key swimmer for Saint Mary's once again. Lebiedz and Nelis, the only two players left from the 2003 squad, which won the 200-yard freestyle relay, will aim for another successful finish.
The University of Chicago is currently 2-1-1 this year over its first four meets. In the second competition of the season, they defeated Rose-Hulman 112-97. If this final score gives any indication to this year's match against the Maroons, Saint Mary's should have a pretty good idea where they stand following the event.
After hitting her head on the board in her first dive last meet, Megan Medlock came back to earn Saint Mary's some valuable points in both diving events against Rose-Hulman.
The first-years have made quite an impression so far this year. They have meshed very well and haven't had too many problems adjusting to the college level. Coach Gregg Petcoff has stressed the importance of the freshman swimmers for the continued success of the Belles.
"They are essential to Saint Mary's chances for victory," Petcoff said.
The swim meet will consist of the 100 and 200-yard backstrokes and breaststrokes, as well as the 200-yard freestyle and 200-yard butterfly. Three-meter diving will follow the 1-meter, and the match will conclude with a 400-yard freestyle relay.
The meet begins Saturday at 10 a.m. at the University of Chicago. Following the event, Saint Mary's will have more than three weeks to rest and improve upon their times. They will not take the water again until the Wisconsin-Oshkosh Invitational on Dec. 3.
