The Bobcats found the quick beginning they were searching for, but it was an impressive middle and finish that sank Kenyon Friday night.
Ohio (3-2, 2-2 in MAC) won 11 of 16 events, swimming to a resounding 175-110 victory over Division III Kenyon (0-4). The margin could have been even larger, but the final three events were held in an exhibition format to avoid running up the score.
The Bobcats won the first five events on the program, ending a streak of slow starts.
We haven't been ahead like that all year
so it was really nice to see the girls go out and be aggressive early said coach
Greg Werner.
Another monkey the Bobcats cast off their backs was swimming well on the road. Kenyon was only Ohio's third away meet, but all week Werner stressed the importance of getting a crucial maiden victory outside of Athens.
Last week provided a lot of valuable experience and we the handled the traveling a lot better tonight he said. I know our girls have a lot of character and wanted an opportunity to show how good they are
and this will pay dividends (later in the season).
For the third weekend in a row, junior Rachel Heim was a standout for Ohio. The reigning two-time Mid-American Conference Swimmer of the Week won the 200-yard freestyle as well as the 100-yard butterfly, and was also a member of both victorious
relay teams.
Joining Heim as winners of two individual events were sophomore Sarah Owen (100 & 200 back), senior Chelsey Bower (50 & 100 free) and junior Stacey Huber (500 & 1000 free).
We definitely came back much stronger after last week
said Bower. A lot of girls had faster swims
and I think a lot of girls also raced smarter races.
Lindsey Hamilton continued her impressive start to the season on the diving board, winning both the 1- and 3-meter events.
The Bobcats now head into their two-month winter break, which Werner called one of the most important times of the year for his team. While they will compete one time at the Zippy Invitational (Dec. 4 to 6) in Akron, an event where they are two defending champions, most of the break will be spent training 30 hours a week in the pool and
weight room.
Personally I'm really excited to work on the technical aspects of my stroke
said Bower. And as a team
winter training is the time we improve
bond and really come together as a team.
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