Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
James Madison & VMI
@HerdSwimDive Rallies to Win JMU Invitational
1/21/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
Results
HARRISONBURG, Va. - The Marshall swimming and diving team pulled off a huge comeback win on the strength of seven wins out of 10 events today against James Madison University. The final score 190.5 - 179.5.
Down 15 after day one, the Herd outscored JMU 105-79 on day two. Marshall also defeated VMI, 157-12.
Marshall was led by freshman Sirena Rowe who picked up another individual win and was on two winning relays. For the meet, Rowe was undefeated in all six of her races.
"We are so proud of our team today," head coach Bill Tramel said. "This morning we talked about a path to victory. That path was simply performing like we were capable of performing. Nothing special, just what we are capable of. We did just that."
Marshall started the morning with a victory in the 400 Medley Relay. Rowe, Catherine Bendziewicz, Chloe Parsemain and Gloriya Mavrova finished 3:51.23, a season best unrested.
The Marshall divers lined up next. Senior Megan Wolons battled dive for dive throughout the competition as did fellow Senior Kelly Toner. On the last dive, Wolons jumped into second by one point. Toner finished fifth.
The Herd followed diving with five event wins in a row, starting with the 200 free relay. The team of Lauren Cowher, Rowe, Mavrova and Parsemain touched out JMU by only 18 one-hundredths of a second.
"Winning the first relay set the tone. Then we took a gamble with personnel for the 200 free relay and it paid off with another win. At that point, we had the momentum on our side."
Marshall's tandem of Caroline Wanner, Emma Lockyer and Maddie Schaffer swept the 400 IM. Rowe continued the streak, winning the 100 free, and Madi Pulfer teamed up with Wanner to finish first and second in the 200 Backstroke.
Parsemain won the 100 fly in a Savage Natatorium pool record time of 56.19 breaking a four year old record.
"The 1-2-3 in the 400 IM was somewhat expected. The 1-2 finish in the 200 back was a bit of an upset. Madi (Pulfer) won it and Caroline (Wanner) held off their top backstroker for second. That was huge for Caroline, especially coming out of her 400 IM win. I thought JMU made some smart moves near the end with the 100 fly, but Chloe (Parsemain) is one of the most clutch swimmers I've ever coached. She just won't be denied. We needed an extra special swim and she stepped up with a pool record performance."
JMU finally broke Marshall's event win streak in the 500 free, but the Herd limited the damage finishing second and fourth. In the final individual event, Bendziewicz won the 200 breast and Lockyer finished third to clinch the meet before the final event.
With the win in hand, Marshall finished strong with a second and third place finish in the final event, the 400 free relay.
"This was such a satisfying win. We really rallied today. So many contributed. Whether it was on a relay or battling for that fifth place point. It's a great team win over an undefeated team who we've never beaten. This sets us up well for next weekend against Vanderbilt. But right now, we should feel good about moving through some adversity. This will make us stronger."
Marshall's next meet is at home against Vanderbilt of the Southeastern Conference. The meet begins at 10:30 am and admission is free.
Players Mentioned
