Swimmers end regular season at Michigan State: Women's Swimming
Ashley Oliver
Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: Sports
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"We swam girls out of their usual events (against Buffalo)," coach Seth Johnson said. "Considering people didn't swim in their usual events, I think we did very well."
The next day, the team headed to Niagara and brought home a victory, 133-107. This is the Bonnies' second dual meet victory and fourth overall.
"We were down early, but we made a couple changes," Johnson said. "They were tired and sore from the night before, but they swam well."
Against Buffalo, senior Kara Small took first in 200-yard breaststroke, with 2:29.97, and she took second in 500-yard freestyle, in 5:12.92.
At Niagara, she took first in the 500-yard freestyle, with 5:16.55, and second in the 400 yard individual medley, with 4:45.17.
Johnson was not surprised.
"(Small) is one of our hardest workers," he said. "Her work ethic and how she's prepared herself at practices prepares her and makes her able to perform well back-to-back days."
Senior Allison Smith returned the pool on Senior Night, after missing the meet against Georgetown Jan. 23.
According to Johnson, Smith is having her best year in freestyle.
In the Reilly Center pool, she took first in the 1000-yard freestyle, with 10:48.80, and she raced in 200-yard freestyle relay team that took first in the event. Against Niagara, she took first in 200-yard freestyle, with 1:57.87, and she claimed first again in the 100-yard freestyle, in :54.32.
Natalya Ghostlaw competed both nights in the 1000-yard and 200-yard freestyle events.
"(She's) willing to do whatever we need," Johnson said.
Johnson chuckled and said the team's chances are "not good" against Michigan State today, as the team is taking on a team three times their size.
"Our numbers hinder us and get us into a hole," Johnson said.
The Spartans roster boasts 45 swimmers, while the Bonnies only have 15.
Johnson's primary focus is getting the team prepared for the Atlantic 10 Championship Feb. 17.
"We work them hard all year and build up their training base so we can rest them these last couple weeks," Johnson said.
Johnson said he can coach the simple things, like flip turns, that the team would not have time to work on during the year. One of Johnson's main goals before the A-10 championships is preparing the Bonnies mentally.
"Ninety percent of swimming is mental," Smith said. "We practice really hard, and I think all our hard work is going to pay off at the A-10's. It's been a long season, but we're ready."
The team will head to Michigan State tonight for its last regular season meet.
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