Rutgers vs. Villanova

VILLANOVA, Pennsylvania, November 9. THE Villanova University women's swimming and diving team (5-1) shocked visiting Rutgers University (5-1) Friday evening as they defeated the Scarlet Knights 160-137. RU has been undefeated in BIG EAST conference meets for a number of years and this marks the first defeat in recent history for RU.

"It was a great win for our women tonight," said head coach Rick Simpson. "We have a very special group of athletes this year. In my entire career, this is the most competitive group that I have had the honor to work with. The upperclassmen are providing leadership that is built around an overwhelming desire to win."

The meet started off in exciting fashion with the 200 Medley Relay team of sophomore Katie O'Gorman, junior Brienne von Rosendahl, freshman Liz Stetson, and senior Jesse Radtke taking home the win.

Freshman Astrid Armgarth continued her success by winning the 1000 free and 400 IM. Liz Stetson had a stellar night, winning the 200 fly in a lifetime best time of 2:06.16.

The momentum carried throughout the meet, and culminated with sophomore Shannon Dwyer's thrilling win in the 500 freestyle. Sophomore Sarah Czar was again a two-event winner (200,100 free), and nearly every swimmer and diver on the team had at least one season-best performance at this meet.

"The resiliency of our women is what makes them so competitive," said Simpson. "Six days before the meet we were in the peak of our training. We had some athletes train 20,000 yards last Saturday and others went 13,000. When you are that tired, it just comes down to who wants it more and our women really wanted this tonight."

Special thanks to Villanova for contributing this story.

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