Swimming Opens Season with a Win

NEW PALTZ, NY — The SUNY New Paltz swimming teams opened their season this afternoon when they hosted Hartwick College. The women defeated Hartwick 119-78 to capture their first win of the season as the men won in dramatic fashion 103.5-101.5. It is the first time the men’s team has defeated Hartwick in the 14 years they have competed against each other. A year ago, the Hawks lost by 60 points.
On the men’s side, New Paltz claimed three first place finishes and both relays. The 200 yard freestyle relay of first years David Gardner, Matt Demerest, Billy Papetti and sophomore Zack Lowenstein was the deciding race to give New Paltz the edge over Hartwick. The relay finished in 1:30.11. Gardner was an individual winner in the 200 free (1:51.38). Stephen Cozzolongo and Pat Rathbun were the other winners on the day. Cozzolongo captured the 100 backstroke (55.48) and Rathburn won the 100 breast (1:04.59). Cozzolongo and Rathburn teamed with Demerest and Rob Webb to win the 200 yard medley relay.
On the women’s side Michelle Coombs and Erica Ellis were each double winners. Coombs claimed the 200 free (1:57.08) and the 100 backstroke (1:00.05), while Ellis won the 200 IM (2:20.18) and the 100 fly (1:01.53). Other winners included first year Jessica Lester in the 1000 free (11:18.49), senior Regina Davide in the 50 free (25.98), and first year Christine Rieth in the 100 free (55.91). Coombs, Ellis, Rieth and Becky Baker won the 200 yard medley relay.
The SUNY New Paltz swim teams will return to action Saturday October 27, at Union College for the Union Relays.