2007-08 Bloomsburg University Women's Swimming Preview

BLOOMSBURG- After posting a record of 6-1 and sending four swimmers to the NCAA Division II Championship last year, expectations are high for the Bloomsburg University women's swim team in 2007-08.

"We hope that everyone improves as the season goes one," said head coach Dave Rider. "So much depends on the losses and gains that have happened to other teams."

The Huskies strengths this season is in the freestyle events, with the return of senior Dianna Smith (West Grove/Avon Grove) and junior Allie Reed (Selinsgrove/Selinsgrove) to lead in the sprint freestyle and junior Sara Hippeli (Quakertown/Quakertown) and junior Barb Caccia (Laurel Spring, NJ/Sterling) leading in the distant freestyle events.

Smith finished last season as a two-time All-American in the 400- and 800-yard free relay and earned honorable mention All-American in the 200- freestyle placing ninth in a time of 1:53.12 and placing 12th in the 100- free in a time of 52.30, breaking her own school record.

Reed was also a two-time All-American last season as she too was part of the 400- and 800-yard free national winning relay teams. Reed also held the second fastest times for the Huskies in the 100- and 200- yard freestyle events.

Other key returners this season include senior Jess Gribbin (Richboro/Council Rock North High School), who will swim distance freestyle events; and junior Liz Tesoro (Doylestown/Central Bucks West High School), who will compete in backstroke and butterfly events.

Returning for the sophomore class includes Kellie Ayres (Gilbertsville/Boyertown), Ashley Carroll(Mohrsville/Schuylkill Valley), Ashley Carsia (Sugarloaf/Hazelton), Katie Leibig (Saylorsburg/Stroudsburg), Laura Punda (Camp Hill/Cumberland Valley), and Amy Usciak (Lancaster/ Hempfield).

In addition, the Huskies have 10 freshmen, who Rider feels bring good abilities to the team. The freshman class includes Nicole Chinnici (Vineland, NJ/Vineland), Lisa Ferrigno (West Chester/ Bishop Shanahan), Heather Hoff (Abington/Abington), Kristen Kelly (Havertown/ Haverford Township), Laura McNair (Duncansville/ Hollidaysburg), Becky Rosenberg (Newtown/ Council Rock), Britnie Spaunhorst(Lake Ariel/Wallenpaupack), Emily Stiles (Landsdale/North Penn), Michelle Wesh (Pittsgrove, NJ/Our Lady of Mercy Academy) and Danielle Wrecsics (Coopersburg/Palisades).