Lions look for repeat win against Cornell at Homecoming meet

The women’s swimming and diving team will compete in its annual Homecoming meet this afternoon against Cornell. Having beat Bucknell 129-114 in an away meet last Sunday, the Lions head into the dual meet against their Ancient Eight rival with an overall record of 3-2 (1-2 Ivy). The Light Blue hopes to improve its record in the Ivy League to 2-2 with a triumph over the Big Red.

When the two teams faced off last year, Columbia overwhelmed Cornell in Ithaca 189-111. At that point in the season, the Lions had already competed in six dual meets and had an overall record of 5-1. The Light Blue dominated the Big Red, winning 14 out of the day’s 16 events.

Beginning with senior Shannon Hosey’s first place finish in 3-meter diving, the Lions got off to a great start. Later on in the meet, Hosey was able to gain the top spot in the 1-meter diving competition as well.

Continuing Columbia’s lead early in the meet, the 200 medley relay team of Lauren Fraley, Mariele Dunn, Allie Davitt, and Hannah Galey finished first in 1:49.75, and junior Caitlin Bertelsen secured the top spot in the 400 and 200 individual medleys. Senior Galey and freshman Paige Endsley went 1-2 in the 200 free. It was Endsley who touched the wall first in the 500 free as well.

Junior Dunn had two first place finishes in the 100 breaststroke and 100 butterfly, while fellow sophomore Amanda Stewart closed out the meet for the Lions by winning the 200 breaststroke.

Last year’s meet brought the Light Blue to a 6-1 overall record, 3-1 in the Ivy League. Today’s contest will give the team the opportunity to gain a stronger standing in the Ivy League and improve upon its winning record. The Homecoming meet will be held at Uris Pool, starting at 4 p.m.