Men’s swimming wins at Providence

Zach Wetzler

After struggling for much of the season, the men’s swimming team found a bright spot this weekend as it recorded its second victory, defeating Providence, 117-83. 

The Wildcats started out the season 0-7. However, after Saturday they now have won consecutive meets and are now 1-2 in the Big East. 

Many Wildcats had standout performances, including senior Jason Moyer who placed first in two events. 

In the 100-meter freestyle, Moyer won with a time of 53.53 seconds and in the 200-meter freestyle Moyer was victorious with a time of 1.57.09. 

Sophomore Harrison Rodts was able to total 13 points for the Wildcats. Rodts placed first in the 800-meter freestyle with a time of 8.57.74 and finished second, behind teammate Greg Cino, in the men’s 400-meter freestyle. Cino, also a sophomore, finished with a time of 4.17.13 and Rodts touched the wall at 4.20.16. The Wildcats swept this event. 

Junior Niki Tchobanov swam a 2.13.61 in the 200 meter butterfly in order to give the Wildcats another first place finish in the meet at Providence.

The first year members of the team had a major impact on the Wildcats’ victorious effort. 

The ‘Cats also took third and fourth place in the relay, further contributing to the victory. 

Finally, Hoin, Nussbaum and freshman Joe Moleski all took home four points in other individual events. 

The men’s team has struggled over the past few seasons, but the recent production from the underclassmen has given the program optimism as they continue to build toward their goal of becoming Big East Champions. 

The next and final meet for the men’s team takes place February 7 against Pittsburgh. 

The Panthers are coming off a victory over Denison and should pose a larger threat than the winless Providence team did last weekend. 

If the Wildcats want to extend their winning streak to three, they will need to be on top of their game. A victory in this meet would help to sustain good momentum for the Big East meet later in February. 

Although Villanova may not contend for a team title at the championship meet, these next few weeks will give standout individuals a chance to prepare for the race.