Swimming and diving teams beat Albion

The Olivet College men's and women's swimming and diving teams defeated Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) rival Albion College today at the Dean Aquatic Center in Albion. The women beat the Britons, 131-102, while the men won, 133-95.

The women had the fastest time or highest score in 9-of-13 events. Leading the way was senior Amy Johnson (Gaylord), who was a triple winner. Individually, she was first in the 100 freestyle (:55.48) and 200 freestyle (2:01.45). Johnson also teamed with junior Jackie Taylor (Plainwell) and seniors Heather Michalsen (Plymouth/Salem) and Erin Tramper (Jenison) for a first-place finish in the 400 medley relay (4:16.01).

Freshman Megan Waschak (Battle Creek/Central) was a double winner, claiming the top spot in both diving competitions. She had 263.60 points on the one-meter and 269.85 points on three three-meter. The other event winners were freshman Jessica Howard (Fort Wayne, Ind./Homestead) took first in the 1,000 freestyle (11:11.33), freshman Caitlin Lohr (Holland/Hamilton) in the 50 freestyle (:25.71); and Michalsen in the 200 butterfly (2:20.46).

The 400 freestyle quartet of Taylor, Lohr, freshman Emily LaPorta (Hamilton) and senior Kalee Redder (Grandville/Jenison) touched the wall first in 3:51.50.

The men duplicated the women with nine fastest times and scores. A triple winner was senior Steven Davis (Davidsville, Md./DeMatha). He won the 200 freestyle (1:48.05) and 200 butterfly (2:03.40). Davis also joined with sophomore Rafe Maxwell (Bay City/Western) and freshman Austin Munn (Pinckney) and Jon Bachman (Battle Creek/Lakeview) for the top spot in the 400 medley relay (3:53.21).

Freshman Michael Conger (Plymouth) led a 1-2-3 Comet finish in the 200 individual medley (2:04.98). Other event winners were senior Shawn Bergman (Chelsea) in the 3-meter diving (301.70), freshman Marshall Bouwman (Zeeland) in the 1,000 freestyle (10:37.98); senior Brian Johnson (Lansing/Everett) in the 200 backstroke (2:09.76); and sophomore Rick Kinsey (Chelsea) in the 500 freestyle (4:56.85).

In addition, the 400 freestyle relay team of Maxwell, sophomore Kellen Beckwith (Farmington Hills/North Farmington), Munn and senior Brad Voss (Lansing/Holt) had the quickest time (3:19.49).

Olivet returns to the pool next Saturday, Jan. 31, when it competes at Hope College. Action from the Dow Center in Holland gets started at 1 p.m.