After a long break from competition, the Fordham swimming and diving team had a busy weekend with multiple meets. On Friday, the Rams hosted the Boston College Eagles. The men fell 183.5-96.5, while the women suffered a heartbreaking loss at 150.5-149.5.

The very next day the squads hosted the La Salle University Explorers and the University of Richmond Spiders. The women posted victories against both Richmond (181.5-117.5) and La Salle (206-92), while a shorthanded men’s squad fell to Boston College (183.5-96.5) and La Salle (217-71).

While Boston College has struggled in Atlantic Coast Conference play, they were able to sweep Fordham on both the men’s and women’s side. While not reflected in the win column, there were certainly highlights on both sides.

The men took home three events in the competition, beginning with sophomore Josh Stegen’s performance in the 200 freestyle (1:42.77). Additionally, junior Bryce Bollessen touched first in the 50 freestyle in 21.48 seconds, and junior Nathaniel Guenther posted a winning time of 1:57.43 in the 200 individual medley.

The women’s loss marked their first loss of the season, coming in devastating fashion as they only lost by a point. Their last home loss in duel meets came during the 2016-17 season, as they fell to Boston University 167-133. During that meet, freshman (now senior) Amelia Bullock was one of two multi-event winners for the Rams. She played a crucial role this weekend, as she has throughout her entire tenure here at Fordham, capturing the 100 (55.56) and 200 (2:02.86) butterfly events. She was also a part of the Rams’ 200 medley relay with juniors Michelle Martin and Hannah McGee, as well as senior Theresa Mullen, which tied for first with a time of 1:45.78.

The meet came down to the final event, where BC placed first in the 400-yard freestyle relay with a time of 3:27.14. This gave the Eagles a one-point edge, defeating Fordham 150.5-149.5.

“It wasn’t just the first loss of the season, it was our first loss in two years,” sophomore Kiara Norris commented on the magnitude of the loss on the team.

Sophomore freestyle swimmer Allie Hodorski from Tampa, Fla, added a more positive perspective on the difficult meet.

“People were happier that it was close. It definitely hurt a little bit, but we won the next, so it all worked out.”

The women bounced back on Saturday, cruising past both Richmond and La Salle in their tri-meet while the short-handed men lost to La Salle.

Senior Casey Sawyer from Syracuse, N.Y, talked about the impact this team has made on him.

However, before any of the events, Fordham honored 14 student-athletes that competed in their final home conference meet during their Senior Day.

“Swimming here has been the best thing about Fordham to me and it was a great pleasure to have all the fans and my teammates come out and support us at our senior meet.”

Looking ahead, the Rams are back in action as they host the Iona College Gaels on Wednesday. That meet begins at 5:00 p.m. at our very own Francis B. Messmore Aquatics Center.