Bulldogs close semester at URI

BRYANT FACES URI THIS SATURDAY IN FINAL MEET OF 2011

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's swimming and diving team closes out the fall semester when it travels to Kingston, R.I., for a dual meet with the University of Rhode Island on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Making their second trip to URI in the last two weekends, the Bulldogs (3-6) will try and close out their first semester on a high note against the Rams. Competing in the Harold Anderson Invitational last weekend, Bryant finished fifth out of six teams, while URI won the invitational for the fourth-straight season.

Junior Molly Smith (Belmont, Mass.) put together a strong showing for the Black and Gold, winning the 400 IM, finishing second in the 200 breast and third in the 200 IM. Freshman Mara Valenzuela (Bridgewater, N.J.) posted a fifth-place finish in the 100 free and nearly every swimmer set a season-best time in their respective event.

Last year, URI defeated the Bryant, 145-119, in Smithfield. Then-freshman Taylor DeBever (Denver, Colo.) set a program record as she won the 500 free.

Following Saturday's meet, the Bulldogs will finish exams and enjoy the holidays before embarking on their annual training trip in early January. The Black and Gold's next meet is scheduled for January 14, when they travel to St. Francis (NY).