Just like the football team dispatched Marshall last September, Ohio’s swimming and diving squad thundered past Marshall 154-78 as the Bobcats won their third dual meet in a row.
After the Youngstown State meet Sunday, coach Greg Werner told his team that its energy and enthusiasm was lacking. But that changed in the meet Tuesday night.
“I think Greg’s speech to us after the Youngstown meet made a lot of sense to everybody,” said senior Amanda Cecere. “We wanted that change as well, and this is how we have fun and he knows that.”
Ohio won almost every event and cruised to an easy victory. Sophomore Laurin Williams won the 1,650-yard freestyle and the 500-yard freestyle. Sophomore Anastasia Bocharnikova won the 200–yard individual medley and the 100-yard backstroke.
The Bobcats’ effort on the diving side also contributed to their victory. Freshman Morgan Srail won the 3-meter dive with three Ohio divers following her on the leader board.
Werner said he was pleased with the results of the meet, especially on the heels of their last competition.
“I was very impressed with their enthusiasm and energy,” he said. “In my opinion, that was the catalyst for performances we saw today.”
Werner also said the meet was a good benchmark for where the team is in its training.
“They were as good as they’ve been all year long. That tells us where we are at in our training, and we’re going in the right direction,” he said.
Ohio has the weekend off before hosting West Virginia and Ball State next Friday and Saturday. Werner said the team is ready for a break before it returns to its normal routine.
“It takes so much more energy out of you than practice does, so it will be really nice to have a break from meets until next weekend,” said junior Katey Brooks.
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