'Cats Open With Strong Performances Against Queens

Saturday, September 30

Davidson, NC

11 a.m.

Davidson College Athletics

117

171

Queens

Photo by: Kaspars Golos/Davidson Athletics

'Cats Open With Strong Performances Against Queens

9/30/2023 4:55:00 PM | Men's Swimming & Diving, Women's Swimming & Diving, Swimming & Diving

Results vs Queens 2023 DavidsonPhotos.com

DAVIDSON — Dylan Felt and Sylvia Stewart-Bates won two events apiece to lead the Davidson swimming and diving teams against Queens in Saturday's season opener at Cannon Pool.

In all, the Wildcats won seven swim events against Queens, which won 171-117 in the men's standings and 158-136 in the women's.

"Both teams enjoyed exciting dual meets today," said Davidson coach John Young. "We knew Queens would bring a good bit of talent to Cannon Pool. They've established an impressive swimming tradition, but I was really pleased with the energy the Wildcats brought to start the season. And even more pleased to learn a lot about where we are after a month of training. I think it's a good spot."

Felt, last year's Atlantic 10 Most Outstanding Rookie and Performer, picked up where he left off. He set a pool record in the 1,000 free (9:18.79) and also won the 500 free (4:31.18).

"Dylan is coming off an outstanding summer, and it was nice to see him continue his momentum," said Young. "He has been impressive in training and looked great today."

Stewart-Bates did her damage in the distance events as well, taking first in the women's 500 and 1,000 frees in 5:09.92 and 10:26.74, respectively.

"Sylvia and the distance women impressed me today," said Young. "Sylvia led the way with her 10:26 in the 1,000, and it was nice to see both Rani Greer and Anna Insana get under the 11-minute mark. Like the 1,000, Sylvia's 500 was really steady and well-executed."

Ann Thompson made her college debut memorable by winning the women's 100 back (57.97).

Other Wildcat men's wins came from Ben McClain in the 200 free (1:42.09) and Fletcher Smith in the 200 fly (1:51.64). Young called McClain's a "really good" swim and Smith's an "electric victory."

The Wildcats also earned points in diving, as Elle Jacobsen posted the best women's scores in the 1-meter (223.73) and 3-meter (248.00). For the men, Ben Cutforth (249.95) and James Gourlay had the top scores in 1M and 3M, respectively.

Other Highlights
• Martha Tripsa swam tight with a Division II national champion while taking second in the 50 and 100 frees.
• Anna Newman, along with Thompson, turned in strong relay swims and solid 100s and 200s.
• Andrew Schou impressed against a challenging breaststroke field.
• Young also liked what he saw from Jessie Cline, Miles Charles and Zach Jones in various events.

Up Next
The Wildcats will compete at the Richmond Duals Oct. 13-14.