By Kevin Donnelly, Swimming World College Intern.
At the NCAA Division III Championships the Emory Eagles’ women have held the top spot since 2010. Last year the team put up an impressive 645.5 points, more than 200 above the closest team behind them.
The Williams College Ephs took second in 2017, outpacing Ohio rivals Kenyon and Denison, who took third and fourth respectively. But numerous different teams were vying for spots between fifth and tenth, with just 64 points separating those six teams in the standings last year.
Who will take the top spot this year? Will new schools move into Top Five contention? After taking a look at the men’s standings two weeks ago, here are the Top Five Division III women’s swimming and diving title contenders through the midpoint of the season in December of 2017.
5. Williams College
While Williams College actually holds no top-five times in the division at the moment, the NESCAC team did not swim in an Invite meet this fall. While the Ephs graduated National Champions Olivia Jackson and Megan Pierce last year, senior Emma Waddell, won the 50 free and 100 fly in 2017. She looks to build on her success and be a key piece for the Williams women in her collegiate finale.
4. Johns Hopkins University
Photo Courtesy: Hayley Good
The Blue Jays look set to build on their ninth-place finish from last year’s meet, as they bring back a deep group of swimmers bound to contribute in freestyle events, whether it be individually or on relays. Senior Courtney Cowan currently leads the division in the 500 free and is fifth in the 200 free. The Blue Jays also hold the third-fastest times in the 400 free relay and the 800 free relay to this point.
3. Denison University
The Big Red, who took fourth last year behind conference rival Kenyon, look poised to fight for a top-three spot this season. KT Kustritz and Kate Mesaros are ranked first and third, respectively, in the women’s 100 breast. After setting the NCAA record in the 100 in December, only time will tell how much lower Kustritz can go. Zoe Whelan is ranked fourth in the 100 fly. Denison also has four relays ranked in the top five nationally at this point in the season.
2. Emory University
Photo Courtesy: Hayley Good
The Emory Eagles bring back a strong team, but will face a bigger challenge this year than in years past on their road to a ninth-straight title. Emory currently has fourteen individual swims ranked in the top five nationally, including junior Julia Durmer, who leads the country in the 1650 free, an event she won at last year’s meet. She’s also ranked at the top of the 400 IM just ahead of teammate Ming Ong. Senior Cindy Cheng also leads the division in the 200 free and 200 back.
1. Kenyon College
The Kenyon Ladies bring back a deep squad of swimmers who look poised to battle with Emory for the title this season. Holding seventeen top-five swims through this point in the season, as well as all five relays, the Ladies are strong across all events and look ready for a battle come March. Freshman Crile Hart leads the NCAA in the 100 back, and the Ladies also hold the top time in the country in the 400 medley relay. Additionally, junior Hannah Orbach-Mandel ranks second in the 100 and 200 free and third in the 500 free.
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.