East Meadow, N.Y. – The Villanova women and Xavier men stand atop the BIG EAST once again after a grueling four-day event hosted at the Nassau County Aquatic Center. On the women's side, Villanova built an early lead that they would not look back on to clinch the BIG EAST Championship, presented by Jeep, for the seventh straight year. The Wildcats totaled 882 points throughout the weekend.
Villanova sophomore Milly Routledge was honored as the Most Outstanding Women's Swimmer of the meet after winning gold in the 50 free, 100 free and 200 free. For the diving events, Villanova senior Michael Perra picked up the Most Outstanding Men's Diver award for the third consecutive Championship, after earning gold medals in both the 1-and-3-meter dives for the third year in a row. Rick Simpson from Villanova and staff were voted-BIG EAST Women's Coaching Staff of the Year, while Todd Michael garnered BIG EAST Men's Diving Coaches of the Year.
Entering Saturday with a commanding lead on the rest of the field, Villanova freshman Brenna McLaughlin got her team off to another strong start, winning the 1650 yard freestyle with a time of 16:47.33. Anna Turner, Emily Provenzo, Nicole Welch and Andrea Fong also reached the award podium for the event. On the men's side, Jake McIntyre took fifth for the Wildcats.
Entering the night with five gold medals in as many events, Kelly Montesi added a sixth to her resume in dominating fashion with nearly a three second edge over her competitors with a time of 1:58.00 in the 200 backstroke. Gracie Wielar finished fourth in the event.
After setting a school record in the event during the morning, Justin Cucchi took silver in the men's 200 backstroke with a time of 1:44.61. Cucchi also set NCAA B-standard qualifying times.
In the women's 100 free, Routledge claimed her third individual gold of the meet with a time of 49.78. Stephen Krecsmar registered a fifth-place finish for the men, going 45.71.
In the women's 200 breast, the Wildcats took the top-two spots as top-seeded Kaitlin Gravell (2:18.53) earned the gold while teammate Maggie Kleinsmith (2:20.03) secured the silver. Rayann Jaryszak finished fifth (2:21.53).
Tarryn Els (2:02.63) of Villanova earned the silver in the 200 butterfly, while Micaela Grassi took fifth. Nick Fiddler finished in fourth on the men's side.
Following the conclusion of individual swimming events, Villanova senior Michael Perra claimed his second gold medal at the BIG EAST Championship, scoring 579.00 in the 1-meter dive. Michael Ackert claimed second in the event, while Joe Swindal came in sixth.
In the 400 free relay, the final event of the meet, the competing teams saved the best action for the very end as the Villanova and Xavier women finished with a tie for the gold at 3:21.62. The Wildcats solidified their victory with their fourth gold in five relays, while the Musketeers claimed a firm grasp on third place with the relay victory.
Major Awards
Most Outstanding Women's Swimmer: Millicent Routledge, Villanova
Most Outstanding Men's Swimmer: Drew Carbone, Georgetown
Women's Coach Staff of the Year: Rick Simpson and Villanova
Men's Coach Staff of the Year: Brent McDonald and Xavier
Most Outstanding Women's Diver: Riley Fujioka, Georgetown
Most Outstanding Men's Diver: Michael Perra, Villanova
Women's Diving Coach of the Year: Marc VanDyken, Georgetown
Men's Diving Coach of the Year: Todd Michael, Villanova
Final Team Standings
Women
1. Villanova (882 points)
2. Georgetown (749)
3. Xavier (654)
4. Seton Hall (439)
5. Butler (287)
6. Providence (232)
Men
1. Xavier (780.5 points)
2. Georgetown (707)
3. Seton Hall (685)
4. Villanova (621)
5. Providence (280.5)
