GNAC Women's Swimming & Diving Athlete of the Week Report #3
Swimmer/Rookie Of The Week
Sophia Caruso, Regis (Fr.)
Freshman Sophia Caruso had a standout day for Regis against Norwich, opening with a dominant win in the 200 freestyle, finishing in 2:03.27 - a personal best that ranks fifth all-time in program history and 15.6 seconds ahead of the runner-up. She continued her strong performance with another first-place finish and personal best in the 100 freestyle, touching the wall at 57.20, good for 13th all-time in Regis history. She closed the meet with another top spot finish as part of the 400 freestyle relay team.
Diver Of The Week
Reilly Laitala, Norwich (Sr.)
Senior Reilly Laitala swept both 1-meter diving events in Norwich's 147-86 victory over Regis College on Saturday, extending her dominance on the boards. The two-time GNAC Women's Diver of the Year earned a 225.15 score in the six-optional dive and a 171.30 in the five-voluntary dive round, claiming both events by margins of 20 points or more. Her strong start helped the Cadets post a clean sweep in diving and maintain control throughout their home-opening victory.
WEEKLY HONOR ROLL
Mia Cortes, Albertus Magnus - In dual matches against USJ and Plymouth state on Oct. 24, she won three events, including the the 1000 yard freestyle with a time of 12:09.10, which was nearly 11 seconds ahead of second place. She also took home the 50-yard breaststroke title with a time of 36.63.. In the 100 yard breaststroke, Cortes finished at 1:17.14 in her win. Against Westfield State on 10/25, she won the 200 yard freestyle gold with a time of 2:14.28, winning by over six seconds. She won the 500 yard freestyle by over 25 seconds with a time of 6:00.66 time and won the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 1:10.33, over nine seconds better than her closest competitor.
Burgan Danger, Norwich - Delivered a breakout performance in Norwich's 147-86 win over Regis College, posting one individual victory and contributing to another in relay action. The freshman opened the meet as part of the winning 200-yard medley relay team, joining Delaney Allen, Maria Piekarczyk, and Deanna Parot to clock a 2:02.15 and win by nearly eight seconds. She followed with a decisive individual win in the 100-yard backstroke (1:05.28) and added a runner-up finish in the 200-yard IM (2:37.36). Her performance helped the Cadets earn nine victories across 13 events to begin GNAC competition with a statement win.
Brandy Lewis, Norwich - Captured a pair of individual victories to help Norwich open its home slate with a commanding 147-86 win over Regis College on Saturday afternoon. The senior posted wins in both distance freestyle events, taking the 1000-yard freestyle in 12:19.53 and the 500-yard freestyle in 5:59.02, with both results finishing well clear of the field. Her dual victories contributed to nine overall event wins for Norwich as the Cadets rolled past the Pride in their GNAC opener at Goodyear Pool.
Christina Dupre-Honda, Regis - Placed second in the six-dive portion with a personal-best score of 202.20, which ranks fourth all-time in program history.
ABOUT THE GREAT NORTHEAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) is an NCAA Division III association made up of 14 member institutions and over 4000 student-athletes across the New England region. Founded in 1995, the GNAC annually sponsors and administers 20 championships, while balancing academic integrity, athletic opportunity and community involvement in an effort to enhance the student-athlete experience.
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