Jan. 14, 2017
By Sinhue Mendoza
The University of Notre Dame swimming and diving program had a solid day at the pool in its first trip of the new year. The Fighting Irish men topped Northwestern, 196-104, and the women were victorious, 182-118.
Notre Dame head coach Mike Litzinger knew his team was tired after rigorous training and three straight days of competition but was happy to get the wins.
“The bonus is it’s always good to get a win,” said Litzinger. “Our kids are pretty tired though. This marks the official end of our Christmas training. We had a some really great things happen but we’re a really tired group. I think it’s time for a day off and regroup and head to the next phase of the season.”
Standout Swims
200-yard Medley Relay
Notre Dame earned first and third in the relay on both the men and women’s side. The foursome made up of Catherine Mulquin, Meaghan O’Donnel, Sofia Revilak and Katie Smith clocked in first at 1:42.46. The third-place group of Alice Treuth, Sherri McIntee, Erin Sheehan and Abbie Dolan recorded a time of 1:44.28. For the men, it was the group of Robby Whitacre, Trent Jackson, Justin Plaschka and Daniel Speers that finished first with a time of 1:30.32. Behind them with a time of 1:30.90, was the pack of Jack Montesi, Steven Shek, Matt Grauslys and Tabahn Afrik.
Men’s 1650-yard Freestyle
Notre Dame placed second and third in the long distance competition. Richard Mannix swam 14:57.64 while Benjamin Jany registered a time of 16.00.69.
Women’s 200-yard Freestyle
The Irish claimed the top two spots in the event. Abbie Dolan came in first with a time of 1:47.99 while teammate Lauren Heller placed third with a time of 1:49.89. Both Dolan and Heller improved their respective times from yesterday’s meet.
100-yard Backstroke
Fighting Irish men and women each captured the top-two spots.
1. Robby Whitacre (49.24), 2. Jack Montesi (49.71)1. Catherine Mulquin (55.34), 2. Alice Treuth (55.15)
Women’s 100-yard Fly
Notre Dame swept the top three spots on the podium. Nikki Smith was the first to tap the wall with a time of 55.10, followed by Erin Sheehan at 55.39 and Sofia Revilak at 55.55.
400-yard Freestyle Relay
In what seemed like a case of déjàvu in the meet’s last event, the Irish earned first place on both the men and women’s side. The foursome of Tabahn Afrik, Billy Barth, Justin Plaschka and Reed Fujan earned first place points for the Irish with a time of 2:59.63. Abbie Dolan, Sofia Revilak, Katie Smith and Catherine Mulquin closed the dual meet on a high note with a time of 3:24.34.
The Fighting Irish are back in action at 2 p.m. ET Friday, January 20, when they take a trip south to face the top 25-ranked Louisville Cardinals at the Ralph Wright Natatorium. Fans can follow live results of the meet on both team Twitter accounts, @NDWSwimDive and @NDMensswimdive. A complete recap will be posted to und.com at the conclusion of the meet.
Sinhue Mendoza has been part of Fighting Irish Media since July of 2016. He oversees the communications efforts for the Notre Dame swimming and diving program, manages media and broadcast credentialing for all sports while overseeing football and basketball game day media operations. Mendoza is a 2008 graduate of the Newhouse School at Syracuse University where he earned a degree in broadcast journalism and political science.
— ND —