Bison Take Down Cardinals; Pick Up First Win of the Season
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Howard University swimmers made the quick trip past the McMillan Reservoir to renew their rivalry with the Catholic University of America Cardinals. Behind many focused and hard-fought swims from across the entire roster, the Howard men earned their first victory of the season with a 104-90 triumph over the host Cardinals. The women, who took six of 11 events, fell short to Catholic by a score of 125-70.
"It was a terrific day for the program," said head coach Matt Salerno. "Everyone on the roster continues to work hard in putting themselves and their teammates in the best position to succeed. We looked very focused today and the results showed."
Indeed, the men's team took eight of the 11 races from the Cardinals on their way to victory. Senior Miguel Orellana led the charge for the Bison. The captain not only was key to the team's 400 medley relay, but blitzed his way to victory in the 50 freestyle with a time of 22.59. In making it three for three in victories, Orellana took control in the back half of the 500 freestyle for a winning time of 4:58.80.
Joining Orellana in the triumphant 400 medley relay were freshman Zadok Isaacs and junior Omar McKenzie with a winning time of 3:51.92.
Other victories for the men came courtesy of senior Brad Worrell, who looked very strong in his 200 freestyle with a season best mark of 1:50.89. Junior Damjan Strbac muscled a powerful 100 freestyle time of 50.01, setting the pace from the beginning 25 yards. And sophomore Kelvin Goodman was involved in quite a showdown in the 100 breaststroke. Goodman's resilient efforts sealed the victory for the Bison men's squad with a victorious mark of 1:05.73, his best showing of the season by almost two seconds.
The Bison women may not have won the overall contest, but their advantage in victories showcased a great amount of talent. Four different Bison ladies took charge of their events, led by freshman Chelsea Andrews. The rookie's 200 freestyle victory time of 2:00.11 was earn best mark of the season, winning by more than eight seconds. Andrews' smooth swim in the 500 freestyle carried her to victory with a time of 5:36.23. Andrews' led the charge, too, in the Lady Bison winning 400 freestyle relay with a split of 54.14. Fellow freshmen Cachanda Evans, E'lan Brewer and senior Polo Edwards completed the relay with a winning time of 3:49.71.
Each of the members of the winning relay also took charge of their own individual races. Edwards cruised to victory in the 1000 freestyle with a time of 11:36.52. Evans' first collegiate victory saw her split a 26.73 and Brewer's finest meet of the season was highlighted by a 100 freestyle victory time of 56.88.
"Everyone played a role in this very spirited and successful afternoon," said Salerno. "We are gelling at a great time of the season; the energy and enthusiasm are contagious and it's enjoyable to see the swimmers continue to improve week in and week out."
Next weekend, the Bison will travel to Fairfax, Virginia to take part in the Patriot Invitational. The meet will begin on Friday at 10AM and run through Sunday, November 22nd with preliminary and finals swims being run all three days.