Blue Swimming & Diving Leads After Day One of Seven Sisters Championships

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. – Wellesley College made a strong statement through day one of the 2015 Seven Sisters Championships, hosted by Mount Holyoke College. The Blue posted nine victories over the first 13 events to lead the field of five teams with 868 points.

Rounding out the field is Mount Holyoke in second with 511 points, while Vassar College holds the third position with 486 points. Smith College is currently fourth with 378 points, followed by Bryn Mawr College with 198 points.

Seven Sisters records fell throughout the day as the Blue and the Lyons combined for five championship records. Wellesley's 400-medley relay team posted a mark of 3:59.17, shattering the previous record of 4:09.71. The Blue also saw their 800-free relay team power its way to victory in a time of 7:55.96, eclipsing the previous mark of 8:01.65. The Blue held both previous records.

First year diver Maura Sticco-Ivins set a new Wellesley school record in the 1-meter (11 dive) competition with a score of 515.50. Sticco-Ivins' (Framingham, Mass.) score was also an NCAA Qualifying score for Regionals. Seven divers total reached qualifying scores in today's action, including Blue first year Emily Moore (Milwaukee, Wis.), 447.55, sophomore Maddie Stern (Phoenix, Ariz.), 434.80, and senior Gabby Cooper-Vespa (Orange, Conn.), 413.70.

Individually, three Seven Sisters records fell during the first two sessions, while two NCAA 'B' times were also achieved. MHC junior Cathleen Pruden (Raleigh, N.C./Ravencroft School) won the 400-IM, posting a time this afternoon of 4:25.39. Not only did it pass her own record at the meet (4:29.55), but it set a new pool record and was her fastest time in the event this season. Vassar sophomore Julia Cunningham (Yardley, Pa./Peddie School) also achieved a 'B' Cut in the race, placing second with a time of 4:33.46.

Marks also fell in the 100-backstroke and the 1-meter diving event. Wellesley junior Dorothy Ren(San Jose, Calif./Archbishop Mitty) bested her previous time in the 100-back (59.02), notching a new record of 58.59 in victory.

Action continues with the third and final session, beginning at 9:30am with 3-meter diving. Swimming will begin at 12:15pm with the 1650-freestyle.

Courtesy Mount Holyoke Athletic Communications