George Washington University Athletics
George Washington University
Howard
GW Women's Swimming and Diving Grabs Season-Opening Win
10/17/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
WASHINGTON - The George Washington women's swimming and diving team opened the 2015-16 season with a victory at Howard on Saturday. The meet marked the start of a new era under the direction of first-year head coach James Winchester.
The Colonials claimed the victory, 136-57, and grabbed the top spot in all 11 events, led by junior Lauren Law's four top finishes.
"We're really excited to start the season 1-0," said Coach Winchester. "A lot of credit has to go to our freshmen, who put up a lot of wins today - including Emily Zhang and Lucy Castro - as well as some of our upperclassmen like team captain Lauren Law, who really led by example."
GW swept a trio of relays, as the team of senior Maggie Hofstadter, sophomores Abigail Fusco and Hannah Kopydlowski, and freshman Emily Zhang opened the meet with a victory in the 200-yd medley relay. Hofstadter and Zhang were then joined by Law and rookie Caroline Racke for a win in the 200 freestyle relay. Law, Fusco and seniors Kally Vanderbilt and Madison Reinker then closed the meet with the top finish in the 400 free relay.
Law also earned a pair of individual victories, in the 50 free and 100 butterfly with new personal bests of 24.92 and 58.39, respectively, while Kopydlowski chipped in top finishes in the 100 back and 200 individual medley. Hofstadter added a win in the 100 free to her relay success.
GW claimed the top three spots in the 200 free as senior Hannah Schaefer won the event, followed by Reinker and senior Emma Gaquin.
Freshmen Lucy Castro and Emily Zhang notched their first individual victories in the 500 free and 100 breaststroke, respectively. Reinker followed Castro in the 500 free for her final top-three finish of the day.
"Coach Askew at Howard has done a great job," said Coach Winchester. "He had his kids prepared to race today. Heading into his second season, it's clear that the program there is in great hands. I look forward to facing them again next year."
The Colonials return to the pool on Saturday, Oct. 24, at UMBC for a 1 p.m. meet.
Players Mentioned
