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2016-17 Women’s Swimming Season Preview

2016-17 Women’s Swimming Season Preview

Written by Andrew Capitelli (SJC-LI Sports Information)

Patchogue, NY| After finishing fourth out of eight teams at last year's Skyline Conference Championship, the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) women's swimming teams enters its second season under the direction of head coach Stephanie Palmeri in 2016-17.

A year ago the Golden Eagles finished behind Mt. St. Mary, Purchase and Sarah Lawrence at the Maritime-hosted championships and Palmeri believes the team will turn in a similar finish this season.

"We should finish in either fourth or fifth in the conference this year," said Palmeri. "With the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy joining the conference it's going to be tougher than last year because they have a very strong program, but we return most of our core from last year and should perform similarly."

Among the returners are seniors Gabrielle Zollo and Kim Mazza and juniors Lorraine Diehl, Julianne Garvey and Marissa Palmeri. Zollo, who finished 6th in the 100 yard free last season, was a two-time Skyline Weekly Honor Roll member a year ago, and Mazza was named Skyline Swimmer of the Week on November 16.

"Zollo and Mazza both returning will be huge for us and we'll need them to be major point contributors," added Palmeri. "Equally as important will be Garvey, (Marissa) Palmeri and Diehl who will flesh out the depth of our squad."

Palmeri also welcomes four new recruits this season including freshmen Aileen Baker and Samantha Mullman, both of whom Palmeri believe "will have huge dual and championship meet scoring potential this year."

The Golden Eagles open the season this Saturday, October 29 when they participate in the Sarah Lawrence Sprint Carnival at 1:30 PM. The first home meet of the season will take place on Saturday, November 5 when SJC hosts St. Joseph's (Brkln) and the College of New Rochelle in double-duel at 1:00 PM inside the Danzi Center.

Senior Day will be held on Saturday, January 14 when the Golden Eagles host Cedar Crest at 1:00 PM.

Maritime will again host this year's Skyline Conference Championships on Friday and Saturday, January 27-28.