WCU Women Open Swimming & Diving Seasons With Pair of Wins

WEST CHESTER, PA – Callie Paff (York, Pa./Central York) won three individual events and Ann Carozza (West Chester, Pa/East) took first in a pair of individual races as well to lead West Chester University's women's swimming & diving squad to a pair of victories opening the 2021-22 winter season at Graham Natatorium Friday afternoon.

West Chester topped Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) rival Shippensburg, 212-64, and downed Southern Connecticut State, 212-74. Diver Shannon O'Hara (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Twp.)

took first place off both boards to pace the Golden Rams in the diving portion of the meet up at the Ronn Jenkins Aquatic Center. West Chester's Evie Atland (Middletown, Pa./Lancaster Country Day) was runner-up on both boards as well. 

For the first time in 622 days, the Golden Rams jumped back in the Graham Natatorium swimming pool for an intercollegiate competition, and the fans in attendance were treated to an outstanding performance from the ladies. Paff was victorious in both the 100- and 200-yard backstroke while also taking first in the 200 individual medley. She started the day leading off the 200 medley relay that also was a winner. Carozza, who was also a part of that medley relay that started the meet with a win, dusted the field in the 500 freestyle, winning by 21 seconds, and claimed first in the 200 butterfly. She anchored the 400 free relay that closed the meet with a first-place ribbon as well. 

Caitlin Hamill (Collegeville, Pa./Villa Maria Academy) won the 1000 free in over 15 seconds. The Golden Rams placed first in all 15 events on the afternoon. Maddy Koehle (State College, Pa./State College Area)won both the 100 and 200 breaststroke, and Mikayla Niness (Spring City, Pa./Owen J. Roberts) captured both the sprints, taking first in the 50 and the 100 free. Keeley Durkin (Brookhaven, Pa./Sun Valley) won the 200 free and was runner-up to Carozza in the 500.

The women return to action next Saturday when West Chester travels to New York University for a meet that begins at 11:30 a.m.