Simmons Swimming and Diving swam to a strong win against Western New England College, 159-106, on Saturday morning. The victory comes at a time when the Sharks are looking for competitive team performances before entering the post-season and racing at New Englands.

"We approached this meet as a stepping stone on our way to Championships," said Head Coach Mindy Williams. "The team needs experience racing under pressure, and WNEC was really able to give us some close races. I was happy to see our athletes focused."

Several Sharks delivered strong statements in the pool. Freshman transfer Jen Collins (Trumbull, Conn.) finished first in two individual events-- the 200 Free (2:10.11) and the 50 Free (27.18). Collins also anchored the winning 200 Medley Relay and swam on the first-place 200 Free Relay for a total of four wins and 18 points.

Sophomore Molly Bohannon (Westbrook, Conn.) finished first in the 200 Butterfly (2:25.79) and the 500 Free (5:48.71), scoring 18 points for the Sharks. Both swims were lifetime best times for Bohannon.

"It had been a while since we raced 200s of stroke, but we spent the whole week prior to this meet practicing strategy and preparing for that distance," said Williams. "The prep work paid off and I found those swims to be our most impressive ones."

WNEC's Ashley Peterson touched the wall first in the 400 IM (5:19.61), and earned third place in the 50 Free (27.96) and 100 Free (1:00.75). Teammate Danielle Caron earned a win in the 200 Backstroke (2:25.34) and second place in the 50 Back (32.26).

Simmons will return to the pool on Tuesday, February 1 when the Sharks host Regis College at 7:00pm.