ROME, Georgia -- Berry College hosted Sewanee in an exciting dual meet between two top SAA Conference teams on Saturday. The Viking men won in dramatic fashion (150-143), while the Tigers prevailed on the women's side (185-99).
Despite conceding 32 points in men's diving events, the Vikings made a triumphant comeback to win the meet in the final relay. The women also had a great day of swimming with strong first place finishes, but also faced a major point deficit to make up due to the Tigers' diving points.
The Berry women opened the meet with a win in the 400 medley relay (4:14.16). BC had other first place finishes from junior Janelle Spanjers in the 100 (1:12.84) and 200 (2:37.65) breaststroke, as well as freshman Haley Brown in the 50 (25.65) and 100 (56.63) freestyle.
On the men's side, the Vikings also started out with a first place win in the opening 400 medley relay (3:36.42). Other notable swims included freshman Mac Stovall winning the 1000 (10:24.16) and the 500 (5:00.58) freestyle; freshman Garrison Bemis winning the 100 Backstroke (55.28); sophomore Robbie Ellwanger winning the 100 breaststroke (1:01.73); sophomore Joey Ellwanger winning the 200 Butterfly (2:01.64); and senior Johnathon Purdy winning the 50 Freestyle (21.66).
Additional strong performances for the men were by senior Conor Monaghan, freshman William Walker, and Joey Ellwanger teaming up to take first (53.79), second (55.47), and third place (56.13) respectively in the men's 200 yard butterfly. Monaghan went on to win the 200 individual medley (2:02.60) immediately thereafter.
The Berry men wrapped up the meet with a substantial win in the 400 freestyle relay (3:17.34).
"This is a great win for the men as they did everything asked of them and put themselves in a position to take the meet," said Berry Head Coach Paul Flinchbaugh. "The ladies fell short by points, but substantial time-drops were posted throughout the meet. I am truly proud of every performance I saw today."
The Vikings are back in action next weekend in Gainesville, Georgia at the Brenau Invitational.
