W. swimming beats Lions, extends winning streak to 41

The 1972 Dolphins were arguably the greatest NFL team in history. The 2001 Miami football team can be labeled as one of the greatest college teams in history. What makes these two teams so historic? Both remained undefeated for an entire season. If an undefeated season marks greatness, then the women's swim team's record of five undefeated seasons in a row is almost unbelievable.

With an impressive 133-105 victory over Columbia Friday night, the team finished its fifth consecutive unbeaten season at 9-0 and extended its dual-meet winning streak to 41.

Unlike most of this year's dual-meet blowouts, the Tigers struggled early but finally took control by winning six consecutive events to secure the win and ensure the continuation of the streak.

Seniors Michelle Nielson, Chrissy Holland, Margaret Hirce, and Molly Seto started things off right for the Tigers by capturing the 200-yard medley in the day's first event. The team's narrow one-second victory was a foreboding sign, however, as the Lions took an early lead by placing second and third in the race and taking first, second, and fourth in the second event, the 400-yard individual medley.

Princeton responded to the early deficit by taking first in the next six events, starting with Seto in the 50-yard fly. Seto beat Columbia's Christina Kubacki by more than a second to set the tone for the Tiger comeback.

Next, senior Meagan Donahue captured the 50-yard freestyle, and freshman Whitney Ryan followed with a dominating, four-second win in the 200-yard medley.

Senior diver Kristy Wilson continued the run by winning the 1-meter springboard. Back in the pool, sophomore Amy Jones placed first in the 100-yard fly and senior Becky Wein followed with a victory in the 100-yard freestyle.

Columbia's Elizabeth Swartout ended the Princeton run in the 100-yard backstroke by edging junior Claire Pearson. Unfortunately for Columbia the Tigers went 1-2-3 in the next event, the 200-yard freestyle, with freshmen Eileen Altenburger and Libby Engelmeier and junior Alix Eastman finishing in that order.

After being swept on the 3-meter dive the Tigers regrouped to finish 1-2-3 in the 100-yard breaststroke, as freshman Sarah Schaeffer took first, and Seto and junior Katie Kuga followed in second and third.

While a close and almost stressful meet is a strange occurrence for the team, the Tigers demonstrated their ability handle the pressure of such a competitive meet.

In five consecutive undefeated seasons the Tigers have faced a few threats to their impecable record, but in every challenge they have demonstrated their ability to win the final races, and, as in Friday's meet, even sweep events when neccessary.

The Tigers next compete later this month in the Ivy League championship meet, which Princeton has won three consecutive times.