Canisius Returns to the Pool Against Binghamton, Niagara

Meet Recap
The Canisius swimming and diving program returned to action Saturday afternoon, competing against regional rivals Binghamton and Niagara, held at the Burt Flickinger Center on the campus of Erie Community College.

On the men's side of competition, Canisius fell to Binghamton 192-108, but would defeat "Battle of the Bridge" foe Niagara 180-109. For the women's team, the Golden Griffins would be defeated by the Bearcats 154-145, but would win against the Purple Eagles courtesy of a 201-80 score.

For head coach Scott Vanderzell's men's program, junior Liam O'Connell was a winner in three events. O'Connell was victorious in the 200-, 500-, and 1000-yard freestyle events with times of 1:42.84, 4:43.59, and 9:54.27, respectively. Also collecting multiple wins for the Griffs was senior Lucas Kennedy, claiming the top times in the 100-yard breaststroke (56.98) and 200-yard breaststroke (2:05.78). Competing in his first collegiate meet, freshman Daniel Bowen was a winner in the men's 100-yard backstroke with a time of 53.38 seconds. The 200-yard freestyle relay team of Kyle Kimerer, Alexander Hiltbrand, Adam Sokolowski, and O'Connell finished first with a mark of 1:26.40.

For the Canisius women, sophomore Grace VanBuren and senior Sage Pollack finished first and second in the 50-yard freestyle, with times of 24.33 and 24.66 seconds, respectively. The two Blue & Gold swimmers traded places in the 100-yard freestyle. Pollack finished first with a time of 54.38 seconds with Van Buren just behind in 54.51 seconds. Senior Kelsey Childress took the top honor on the day in the 100-yard individual medley, with a time of 1:01.19. Canisius would sweep the 1000-yard freestyle events on the day, with Cara Smith having the top time in the women's event in a time of 10:57.61.

The Golden Griffins women's team had two relay winners on the day, winning the 200-yard medley and 200-yard freestyle relays. In the medley, the Canisius team of Childress, Isabel Sapio, Van Buren and Pollack finished in a time of 1:50.27. For the freestyle race, the squad of Pollack, Kelly Burns, Jordan O'Connor and Van Buren finished first with a time of 1:39.51.

Head Coach Scott Vanderzell's Comments
"I thought it was great to see our kids compete once again. For the limited time we've had to train, I thought we did well and had some really good times today. We were all just excited coming into today. It's been a year since we've been able to compete, so today was really exciting to compete."

"The nine seniors are all tremendous people and they've been the heart and soul of our team for the past four years. The work that they have put in is truly unmatched. It's bittersweet and going forward it's going to be a huge loss for us."

"Before the MAAC Invite, we're going to make sure we most importantly stay healthy. We're going to continue to train and get better, and hopefully we are prepared."

Up Next
The Blue & Gold are scheduled to return to action in two weeks, for the MAAC Spring Invitational also held at the Burt Flickinger Center.

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Players Mentioned

Kelly Burns: 5' 7"; Senior

Kelsey Childress: 5' 9"; Senior

Alexander Hiltbrand: 6' 3"; Sophomore

Lucas Kennedy: 6' 1"; Senior

Kyle Kimerer: 5' 11"; Junior

Liam O'Connell: 6' 1"; Junior

Sage Pollack: 5' 5"; Senior

Isabel Sapio: 5' 7"; Sophomore

Cara Smith: 5' 9"; Junior

Adam Sokolowski: 6' 2"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Kelly Burns
: 5' 7"; Senior

Kelsey Childress
: 5' 9"; Senior

Alexander Hiltbrand
: 6' 3"; Sophomore

Lucas Kennedy
: 6' 1"; Senior

Kyle Kimerer
: 5' 11"; Junior

Liam O'Connell
: 6' 1"; Junior

Sage Pollack
: 5' 5"; Senior

Isabel Sapio
: 5' 7"; Sophomore

Cara Smith
: 5' 9"; Junior

Adam Sokolowski
: 6' 2"; Sophomore