Akron Ranked #22 In CSCAA Poll
Story Courtesy of Akron Sports Information
Full CSCAA Release
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron women's swimming and diving team is ranked in the top 25 nationally in the Oct. 24 College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) TYR Top 25 Dual Meet Poll. After its performance at the Akron Zips Classic, Akron was voted No. 22 in the Poll.
"Thank you to the CSCAA and the Women's Poll Committee for their votes and recognition of our program. It's an honor to be recognized by our peers and to be ranked in the top 25," said sixth-year head coach Brian Peresie. "We have been working hard for a long time. Being in the conversation nationally this early in the season is something that will continue to motivate us to continue giving our best efforts every day.
The Oct. 24 poll marks the Zips' second appearance all-time in the CSCAA Poll and the highest ranking ever. Akron was tabbed at No. 24 last season in a poll released on Jan. 31, 2018.
Four of Akron's relays currently rank among the top 10 nationally. The 400 freestyle relay team of freshman Sarah Watson (Winnipeg, Manitoba), senior Sadie Fazekas (Windsor, Ontario), freshman Sofia Henell(Linkoping, Sweden) and senior Ragen Engel (Springfield, Ohio) turned in a time of 3:19.91, which ranks second in the nation.
Additionally, the Zips' 800 freestyle relay (7:19.32) sits at No. 4, while the 400 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay rank sixth and seventh, respectively.
Akron has eight individuals ranked in the top 20, including Fazekas at No. 19 in the 100 backstroke (54.28), while Engel and Watson are tied for 19th in the 100 freestyle with a time of 50.11. Five Zips are rank in the top 20 times in the mile, including sophomore Brooke Lamoureux (Belleville, Ontario), freshman McKenzie Rice (Fairfield, Ohio), junior Jackie Pash(Carmel, Ind.), junior Mackenzie Vargas (Roseville, Calif.) and junior Jessica Bonezzi (Wooster, Ohio).
"We have had a great start to our season and we are all excited to continue working the process," said Peresie. "It's great to take a moment and enjoy this recognition. However, this does not indicate our season was a success. It will be our attitude, effort, focus, and attention to detail in the weeks ahead that will put us in position to be successful this year. Moving forward this is one more reason why it is an exciting time to be a Zip!"
Akron competes in its first dual of the season as it hosts Buffalo on Friday, Oct. 26, at 5 p.m. The contest will be broadcast on ESPN3.
