Divers shine Saturday at Wagner

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's swimming and diving received outstanding performances from all four of its divers but it wasn't enough as Wagner earned a 177.5-120.5 victory on Saturday morning on Staten Island.

All four of the Bulldogs' divers made their collegiate debuts on Saturday and all enjoyed career performances. Kelci Abernethy (Chandler, Ariz.) won the 3 meter dive with a school record total of 240.10. Her score also broke the men's school record and it allowed her to defeat the NEC 3 meter champ from last year, Wagner's Samantha Lavrich. Stephanie Jennings (Elmont, N.Y.) finished fourth in the 3 meter and Ann Burdick (Glenmont, N.Y.) finished fifth.

In the 1 meter dive, Carissa Stemen (Naples, Fla.) opened her collegiate career with a first place finish and a school-record score of 238.85. Abernethy and Burdick finished 3-4 in the event.

In the pool, the Bulldogs received their only victory from Nicole Salzano (Elmwood Park, N.J.). The sophomore tied Wagner's Anu Nihpali for first place in the 200 back with a time of 2:07.49.

Julia Messina (Canandaigua, N.Y.), Lauren Doerrman (Oley, Pa.) and Jillian Rice (Trumbull, Conn.) all earned a pair of second-place finishes for the Black and Gold. Messina placed second in both breast events, Doerrman was second in the 200 fly and the 200 IM and Rice finished second in the 50 and 100 free.

The Bulldogs return to the pool this Friday, Oct. 23 when they host Providence College in the Chace Athletic Center Pool.