Women’s Swimming Knocks Off Purchase, Unveils Record Board

Written by Andrew Capitelli (SJC-LI Sports Information)

Patchogue, NY| Prior to a 123-53 victory over Skyline Conference rival SUNY Purchase on Friday evening, the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) women's swimming team unveiled a new record board in remembrance of long-time athletics supporter Neil Lamens.

Lamens, who passed away in 2012, is the late husband of Gigi Lamens, the college's Vice President for Enrollment Management. In September of 2012, Mrs. Lamens, in honor of her husband's legacy of philanthropy and dedication to the Golden Eagles, established the Neil Lamens Fund for Athletics.

"It is such a pleasure to see this new scoreboard and I am grateful for the tribute to my husband, Neil," said Mrs. Lamens. "Neil and I were both competitive swimmers through high school and college so having this scoreboard in Neil's name is both appropriate and heartwarming."

"Neil spent a lot of time in the Danzi Center and got to know our faculty, staff and students," she added. "In fact, he went to many SJC home games because he wanted to cheer on our students. He got to know the staff here in Danzi and always felt welcome."

The fund, now in its fifth year of existence and awarded annually, has raised over $30,000 and directly assists SJC's athletic programs, contributing to uniform, equipment and travel expenses.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Golden Eagles took to the pool where they would dominate the visiting Panthers. In the meet's first event, the 200 medley relay, the team of Kayleigh Aiello, Jordyn Cummings, Bella Peralta and Julie Garvey posted a first-place finish with a time of 2:17.14.

Cathrine Peralta took first in the next event, the 1000 freestyle (13:23.50), and Aileen Baker followed the senior's performance with a first-place finish in the 200 freestyle (2:17.89).

Samantha Mullman picked up her first of three victories on the evening in the 50 free and later went on to win the 100 freestyle before capping off the meet with a first-place finish in the 400 free relay with Peralta, Garvey and Baker.

The Golden Eagles return to action tomorrow, November 4 for a non-conference double-duel at the College of New Rochelle. The meet, which pits SJC against St. Joseph's College (Brkln) and the Blue Angels, begins at 1:30 pm.