The UConn women’s swim and dive program is set to return to Storrs this weekend to face off against Northeastern. The two programs have a brief but competitive history, with Northeastern holding the advantage in a 2-1 record over Connecticut. Notably, both teams have only found their victories when competing at home. Last season’s matchup was a tight finish, with Northeastern coming out on top of the 151-149 battle.
UConn’s swim season is already in a consistent rhythm, led by two standout sophomores, Jessica Sheng and Sydney Perkins, who have proven time and time again to be a tough competition for anyone to beat.
From Ontario, Canada, Sheng had an outstanding freshman year for UConn, topped off with three second-place finishes at the Big East Conference Championships. Her momentum has carried through to this season, as she continues her excellence in sprint freestyle and backstroke.
Perkins is a breaststroke specialist and in her freshman year, she claimed a school record in the 100 breast (1:00:97). Her sophomore season has taken flight, and she continues to dominate in the 100 and 200 breast. Across UConn’s past two competitions, Perkins has finished in first place in four out of five races.
Looking forward to tomorrow’s matchup, Sheng and Perkins will be the two for Northeastern to beat. This duo also competes in several of UConn’s relays, contributing to strong team successes.
On the other hand, Northeastern will come in hot with their own freshman sensation, Alex Fuller. Fuller is ranked sixth overall in women’s swimmers for her home state of Virginia, based on power index records. Her transition to collegiate swimming has been seamless, and she already has several first-place races under her belt. The incredibly versatile swimmer is off to a tremendous success in sprint distance events for freestyle, butterfly and backstroke.
Connecticut will also see tough competition in junior Mary Nordmann, another highly decorated sprinter for Northeastern. Butterfly is Normann’s forte, but she’s another fierce contender for the short distance freestyle events. Normann put up similar times in these events, so each millisecond will be crucial.
On the diving end, UConn’s season is off to a solid start with success coming from across the board. Connecticut will be confident entering the competition due to the consistent performances of upperclassmen Olivia Denery, Darah Ostrom and Kate Cooper on their side.
Meanwhile, for Northeastern, freshman Kailyn Aquino and sophomore Madeleine Wong lead the pack. It’s shaping up to be a close contest for all Husky divers.
The meet is set to begin on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 12 p.m. in the Wolff-Zackin Natatorium.