The University of Rhode Island Women’s swim and dive team closed out their regular season with a win over Central Connecticut State University on Saturday.
The Rams came into this meet having not defeated the Blue Devils since February of 2019. Rhody wrapped up their season with a record of 4-5 following the victory.
Prior to the event, URI honored five seniors for their years of dedication to the program.
In a tight contest, Rhody took home nine of the 16 events in a final team score of 169-133. Standing out for the Rams were first-year Julianna Tyler, third-year Hannah Benavides and second-year Rylee Kelly, all winning two of their individual races.
To close out a year of setting school records and earning honors, Tyler won in both the 200-yard butterfly (2:05.06) and the 200-yard individual medley (2:09.23). She also contributed to Rhode Island’s win in the 200-yard medley relay (1:48.81), along with third-year Jackie Triglia, fourth-year Mackenzie Thomas and second-year Abby Zadorozny.
“I was glad to contribute for the team,” Tyler said. “It was great to see everyone perform well today.”
Kelly took first place in two of her freestyle races in the 100-yard (0:53.33) as well as the 500-yard (5:05.88). She also finished third in the 200-yard freestyle (1:55.50). To add to her day, Kelly helped URI win the 200-yard relay (1:38.49) with teammates Zadorozny, first-year Megan Huntley and first-year Avery Potyrala.
Benavides picked up wins in both the 100-yard (1:05.53) and 200-yard (2:20.49) breaststroke events. She earned another podium finish in the 200-yard individual medley, earning second place in the event (2:11.45). Benavides continued her success as a part of the team that earned third in the 200-yard medley relay (1:50.99), along with Huntley, third-year Kelsey Mcmenemy and second-year Ella Hacker. Hacker tacked on an individual win in the 100-yard butterfly (0:58.36), where the Rams had a 1-2-3 finish. Following Hacker was fourth-year Jenna Salem (0:59.80) and Triglia (0:59.95).
Rhode Island was unable to grab wins in either of the diving events, but second-year Lily Hsu was the runner-up in both the 1-meter (274.73) and 3-meter dive (251.55). Central’s second-year Jewelle Mariarz outscored Hsu in both events.
The Rams improved to a record of 3-2 when competing at home this year, compared to their 1-3 record on the road. URI Head Coach Lilli Falconer Deering commented on how the home atmosphere affected the meet.
“I think it is always more exciting to be at home,” Deering said. “The girls can feel that and I think when we have a lot of people in the stands they feel more supported.”
Despite the victory, Deering thinks there is still work to be done, heading into the playoff season.
“The girls swam well, but I don’t think too well where we are not also set up to be successful at the end of the year,” said Deering.
The team is now pivoting their attention to preparing for the upcoming Atlantic 10 Conference Championship.
“I think we are just gonna keep doing what we have been doing,” Tyler said. “Keep putting in the work and we’re gonna see how it goes.”
The A-10 Championship will be held in Hampton, Virginia at the Aquaplex from Feb. 21-24.