Courtesy: UNH Athletics
DURHAM, N.H. – The University of New Hampshire swimming and diving team opened its 2021 season with a 171.5-67.5 victory against America East foe Vermont on Saturday afternoon at Swasey Pool.
The Wildcats won 12 of 13 events on the day against the Catamounts.
“We were actually kind of surprised how well a lot of people swam, it was pretty fast for being out of the water all fall,” said UNH Head Coach Josh Willman. “It was great to see the freshman race, they really did great. I am sure some of it was the excitement of the first meet, as it was long overdue and we got a little extra boost out of them. Seeing them race and two or three of freshmen posted their best in season times, which is a huge thing. I couldn’t be happier.”
UNH was led by junior Anna Metzler (Regensburg, Germany) who set new pool records in the 200 and 400 individual medley. The All-American posted a 1:59.23 time in the 200 IM and a mark of 4:10.57 in the 400 IM.
“We kind of knew she was going to break pool records, it was more about posting a time that would qualify for the NCAA’s,” stated Willman. “Her best shot into the NCAA’s is the 400 IM, currently she is ranked 23rd and selections will be made in two weeks after conference meet results come in.”
UP NEXT:
- The Wildcats will return to action with a home meet on Saturday, March 6 against Maine from Swasey Pool.
MEET INFO:
Score: New Hampshire 171.5, Vermont 67.5
Location: Durham, N.H. (Swasey Pool)
Date: Saturday, February 20, 2021
Records: UNH 1-0 (1-0 America East), Vermont 0-1 (0-1 America East)
JOSH WILLMAN POST MEET INTERVIEW
PHOTO GALLERY
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Freshman Michaela Herwig (Geneva, Ill.) earned first place finishes in the 200-yard freestyle (1:56.22) and the 100-yard backstroke.
- Sophomore Olivia Stille (Stockholm, Sweden) took home first in the 50-yard freestyle (24.24) and the 100-yard free (52.28).
- Sophomore Jamy Lum (Honolulu, Hawaii) earned top finishes in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:05.86) and the 500-yard free (5:05.68).
- Freshman Abby McKinney (Westfield, N.J.) also had a solid collegiate debut for the Wildcats with first place finishes in the 100-yard butterfly (57.69).
- Senior Megan Carroll (Haverhill, Mass.) finished first in the one meter dive event with 208.42 points and she captured second place in the three meter dive (188.01).
- The relay teams also had a very solid day with first place finishes in the 200-yard medley (1:47.93) and the 200-yard freestyle (1:38.96).
Coach Willman’s teams continue to out-perform their talent. Consistent NCAA presence from a mid-major school in New Hampshire should not go unnoticed. Congrats Wildcats!