Relay Victory Propels Engineers Over Colby, 157-139

Dec. 6, 2004

Complete Results

WATERVILLE, Maine - Freshman Jackee Nowicke held off a charging Meg Vallaly in the anchor leg of the 400 free relay as MIT clinched victory over Colby College in the final race of the day. Nowicke split a team-best 55.93, but Valally's amazing clip erased a three-second lead for the Engineers and set up the meet's dramatic finish. With the win, MIT stays undefeated for the season at 5-0.

Sophomore Kate Thornton opened the afternoon in typical fashion by dominating the 1000 free. Thornton reeled off her fastest swim of the season en route to a new pool record with the time of 10:50.98. Despite the early advantage, the teams traded victories throughout the contest.

Rookie Julianna Edwards paced the Engineers in the early portion of the tilt, taking first place in the 100 back (1:01.59) and 100 fly (59.81) with exceptional times. Tech also benefited from a clean sweep in the diving events. Led by freshman Doria Holbrook, who inched closer to the NCAA Championships with another qualifying performance, MIT swept the top three spots in both the one-meter and three-meter events. Holbrook's total of 251.78 on the one-meter set a new pool record.

Jen-Jen L'ao kept the Engineers in front heading into the 400 free relay with a strong win in the 400 IM. Hitting the wall in 4:48.08, L'ao's victory was her second of the afternoon. The Tech senior also finished first in the 200 back (2:16.27). Freshman Anni Larsson was the only other individual winner for MIT, outracing the field in the 200 fly.