Simmons Swimming & Diving narrowly lost to UMass Dartmouth on the road Tuesday night. The Sharks were edged out by just five points in their first return to competition following their annual January training trip.

Head Coach Mindy Williams was pleased with her team's overall performance, noting that UMass Dartmouth and Simmons were very evenly matched. "The team has been training very hard with double sessions since January 2nd. As soon as their bodies have a chance to rest, we will see some impressive performances," said Williams.

Junior diver Amanda Dirksmeier (Marshfield, Mass.) placed first in the 3-meter springboard rotation with a score of 181.28, gathering 9 valuable meet points for the Sharks, and earning a New England qualifying score.

Freshman stroke specialist Stephanie Bitzas (Westfield, Mass.) also earned a berth to New England's, qualifying in the 200-yard Individual Medley.

Other meet high points for Simmons include junior Brittany Torelli's (Waterbury, Conn.) victory in the 100- and 200-yard Freestyle events, senior captain Keri-Ann Arsenault (Chester, N.H.) taking first in her signature event, the 500-yard Freestyle, and a first place finish for the athletes of the 400-yard Freestyle Relay: senior Erica Boswell (Salem, Mass.), junior Caitlin Urciuoli (Wethersfield, Conn.), senior captain Julia Morrison (West Hartford, Conn.) and Arsenault swimming anchor.

"All in all, times were consistent with what the women were doing before winter break. We should have another exciting, close meet against Mount Holyoke on Saturday," said Williams.

Simmons will travel to South Hadley on Saturday, January 17 for a 1:00pm meet against the Lyons.