Weekly sports update - results from January 19th through 25th
by Geoff Hassard - Sports Information Director
Men's Swimming (1-4)
The men's swim team got back into action last week with a meet at UMass-Dartmouth. They got some strong performances from a few individuals, unfortunately they were defeated 152-122. Captain Jason Wening made a triumphant return to the pool by winning the 1000-yard freestyle. Sophomore Jamie Murdock was a triple winner in the 200-yard individual medley, 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke. Junior Teak Ackman won the 50-yard freestyle while sophomore Jon Prusak won the 50-yard backstroke.
Women's Swimming (0-6)
The women's team competed against UMass-Dartmouth last week also with the same result as they were beaten 149-88. Winners for WPI were senior captain Katie Snell in the 100-yard freestyle while classmate Monika Lehky won the 500-yard freestyle. Others who contributed points in the meet were captain Becky Kupcinskas, Cathy Connelly, Jen Wright and our diving duo of Kim Scofield and Connie Pappagianopoulos.
Men's Basketball (7-6)
The men entered last week riding a four-game winning streak as they faced off against cross-city rival Clark and new conference foe Springfield College.
In the game versus Clark, WPI fell behind early and although they outscored the Cougars in the second half, still were defeated 105-92. Captains Jim Naughton and Mike Shannon had career nights as they both had their best offensive showing with 29 and 26 points respectively. Naughton also grabbed 15 rebounds. In Springfield last Thursday night the Engineers were playing the first place Pride who had won 11 of their last 12 games. It was the first meeting in many years for one of WPI's older rivals. On this night it was not meant to be as Springfield won 86-71. Naughton had 26 points to lead the Engineers while Jeff Cayer had 18 in the loss.
Women's Basketball (11-5)
The women's squad had a 1-1 week as they defeated Pine Manor at home and lost to Amherst on the road. They now embark on their NEW 8 conference schedule which promises to be exciting and tremendously competitive. Against Pine Manor, the Engineers were all over the Gators as they jumped out to a 20-point halftime lead. In the second half they continued their swarming defense and domination as they took the easy 78-45 win in front off one of the largest home crowds of the season. Danielle Batey led all scorers with 24 points as three other Engineers registered double figures as well. Kim Landry had 18 points. Jenn Lovin grabbed 13 rebounds to go with her 10 points and Becca Rubenstein added 11 points in the win. The guard trio of Jen Plante, Kerri O'Connor and Laura Bielitz continue to play well for WPI as well.
Last Tuesday WPI was on the road to face an always strong Amherst squad. WPI battled back from a three-point haltime defecit to take the lead, but Amherst showed their strength and pulled out a 56-52 win. Landry led all scorers with 22 to go with 11 boards.
Wrestling (5-2)
The wrestling Engineers enjoyed a solid week with a 3-1 record as they swept a tri-match with Trinity, Williams and MIT while dropping one to Plymouth State. WPI has lost a couple of key wrestlers in their lineup, but others have stepped in and filled the spots.
In the Trinity match the Engineers took advantage of forfeited weight classes as they won 33-18. Dual match winners were Mark Simon at 134 lbs., Matt Marino at 150 lbs., Jeff Stearns at 158 lbs., and Andy Funk at 190 lbs. The Williams match pitted the two winners of the 94-95 NECCWA Tournament against each other for the first time since last season. In a classic match it was tied going into the heavyweight division. Craig Howitt did not give up as he pinned his opponent to give WPI the 24-18 victory. Other winners for WPI were Rob Polin at 118 lbs., Joe Tucker at 142 lbs., Dan Hugaboom at 150 lbs., Stearns, and Lance Baden at 167 lbs. Versus MIT, WPI handled them easily going on to the 32-15 victory. Taking firsts for WPI were Polin, Dave Gardner at 126 lbs., Paul Hammerstrom at 134 lbs., Tucker, Hugaboom, Baden, and Stan Farrell at 177 lbs. The follwing Wednesday the Engineers traveled to New Hampshire to take on Plymouth State. Unfortunately WPI could not extend their winning streak as they fell to the Panthers 24-12. Winners for WPI were Polin, Tucker and Baden.
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