The men’s and women’s swimming teams earned victories over Providence College last Friday night at the Villanova Swim Complex.  The men’s team won by a score of 121-92, and the women’s team won by a dominate margin of 127-58.  The wins were important for the Wildcats, who had seen their teams fall in back-to-back meets at Seton Hall and Pittsburgh.

The victory in the meet was the most impressive of the season for the women’s team, which saw their swimmers claim first place in all but one of the 12 events. 

This was the last home meet of the season for the ‘Cats, and they got off to a quick start. Both the men’s and women’s teams took first place in the 200-yard medley relay, and after junior Astrid Armgarth took first in the women’s 1000-yard freestyle, the women’s team demonstrated its depth by taking the top three spots in the 200-yard freestyle.

Senior members of the women’s swimming and diving teams who posted victories included Sarah Czar in the 1-meter dive and Kristine Drysdale in the 500-yard freestyle. Freshman swimming phenom Haylie Edwards also continued her string of impressive performances with victories in both the women’s 200-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly.

The men’s team also flexed its muscles in the pool, taking first place in eight of the 12 events.  

Victories were especially sweet for senior members of the swimming and diving team, including senior Jim Snyder, who placed first in the men’s 500-yard freestyle. Senior diver James Styles also placed first in the one meter dive.

The swim teams will  compete this Saturday in Syracuse, N.Y.  It is the last meet of the regular season for the Wildcats, who will be looking forward to the Big East Championships, which will be held in Pittsburgh towards the end of February.