The women’s swimming and diving team traveled to College Park, Md., this past weekend in order to compete against Pittsburgh, Maryland and Penn State. After an intense winter training camp and a recent win over Seton Hall, the team entered the meet with confidence, even though it was facing highly competitive teams.

In the diving events, freshman Amanda DiMarco was the top finisher for Villanova, earning a fifth place finish in the three-meter and eighth place in the one-meter event.

Junior Sarah Czar also earned a pair of fifth place finishes in the 200 and 500 freestyles, while senior Kerri McIlvain was also fifth in the 200 breaststroke.

Sophomore Astrid Armgarth had standout swims in the 1650 freestyle and 400 individual medley Friday, earning second and third places, respectively. Junior Kristine Drysdale established a personal best in the 400 individual medley, while freshman Lindsey Hagens’ second place finish in the 200 backstroke was another top performance for Villanova.

Although the Wildcats came in last overall, they were able to claim victory over Pittsburgh in several races and challenged Maryland and Penn State in many events as well.

As the team prepares for its biggest meet of the season – the Big East Championships – excitement and expectations are running high.

“This weekend was a really good indication of where we stand as a team for our championships in Indianapolis mid-February,” senior Brienne Von Rosendahl said. “We had a lot of stellar performances that only makes us more excited to see how we swim when we are actually rested for the championships.”

So far this season both the men’s and women’s programs have been improving, but the real test will come at the Big East Championships, where the teams have the opportunity to prove themselves.

“This week was just another example of how no matter how you are swimming, if you remain positive and supportive of your teammates, you are able to swim fast,” Von Rosendahl said.

When this season-long hard work and dedication is combined with positive support and rest, there is no doubt that both the men’s and women’s teams will see many outstanding performances at the Big East Championships.