W. swimming heads to Ivy championships

After defeating Columbia on Feb. 6, the women's swimming and diving team solidified its reign over the rest of the Ivy League and finished off the 2003-2004 regular season with a perfect 7-0 Ivy record. The Tigers look to pick up their fifth-straight Ivy title this weekend at the Ivy League Championships hosted by Harvard in Cambridge, Mass.

Princeton has already knocked down all the teams it will see at the Ivy Championships, but the strongest competition will probably come from Harvard. Harvard traditionally provides a tough rivalry and a good showing of talented swimmers and divers for both the men's and the women's teams.

The last time the Tigers tangled with Harvard, the Crimson were left limping from DeNunzio after a 214-105 mauling at H-Y-Ps in early February. Junior Stephanie Hsiao led the way with her versatility, winning three events and using all four strokes. Hsiao touched the wall first in the 200-yard freestyle, 100 yard individual medley and 100 yard breaststroke.

Senior Sarah Fraumann figured prominently in the win as well, winning the 500- and 100 yd. freestyle events.

Princeton has enjoyed a culture of success in swimming. Coming into this season, the swimmers and divers held a stellar record of 47 straight dual meet wins. This impressive record gave the Tigers the confidence they needed to succeed throughout the season. The streak was finally snapped at Pittsburgh in January against a tough Panthers team. Although Princeton lost, the challenging meet gave the team experience that few other Ivy teams can boast. That close loss was a minor setback after which the Tigers rebounded, proceeding to capture victory in the following four meets. Those included wins over Harvard and Yale, giving Princeton an undefeated Ivy record.

The Tigers achieved that record with contributions from swimmers in all classes. Princeton boasts a talented group of freshmen and has benefited throughout the season from leadership by seasoned upperclassmen.

Throughout the winter, freshmen Sobenna George, Kelly Hannigan, Michelle Demond, Nikki Laffle and Lisa Vollmond-Carstens have all contributed their young talent to the winning season, adding top finishes when needed meet after meet. The sophomores have done their fair share as well, getting strong showings from Libby Englemeier, Kitsie Kerner and Sarah Schaffer. From the junior class, Hsiao has consistently turned in fast times. And from the senior class, the priceless leadership of the class of 2004 brings experience to the team. Led by Fraumann, Stephanie Lawlor and Lauren Rossi, all of the fourth-year Tigers are ending great careers and a winning season.

In addition to the dedication and talent of the swimmers is the wisdom of a great coach. Head coach Susan Teeters is finishing off her 20th season as Princeton's swimming coach. In her time here, Teeters has earned enough wins to secure her place among ranks of legendary Prineton coaches . This powerful combination of outstanding swimmers and divers and exceptional coaches adds up to tough competition for any team willing to try its hand against the Tigers.

As the Ivy League championships approach, the Tigers have the mental edge, raw talent and a season of intense training to back them up. The other teams may put up a fight, but the Tiger swimmers and divers are ready to bring home another Ivy title come Saturday evening.

After this meet, the Tigers will have three weeks to prepare for the NCAA championships held at College Station, Texas over spring break.