Fairfax, Va. – The UMBC swimming squads had their final tune-up before the 2023-24 America East Championships as they took on an inspired host George Mason squad.

Sophomore Bruna de Padua and senior Daniel Nicusan won two events apiece to lead the way for the Retrievers.

On the men's side, the Patriots won, 188-110, while capturing the women's meet, 202-98.   

"Mason is heck of a team and they gave us a good run today," said Head Swimming Coach Matt Donovan. "I'm happy with how we performed today.  A lot of the elements we've been working on in practice showed up in the pool this meet.

"It's time to go into championship meet prep mode for America East.  We are really excited for the next three weeks."

In the diving well, freshman Ember Stennett and sophomore Anders Logas won the 1-meter and 3-meter competitions respectively as the divers outscored their counterparts, 43-31. The divers will compete at the Navy Invitational next weekend.

"After several weeks of winter training, it was great to get back to competition," said Head Diving Coach Jeff Fisher. "We saw some new dives performed and overcame a few significant challenges. I am looking forward to finishing the season strong and going into the conference championships stronger than ever."

de Padua continued her brilliant season, cruising to victories in the 1000 and 500 freestyle events.

Stennett amassed a score of 232.50, edging teammate sophomore Alicia Buteau (227.40) on the lower board. The Retriever freshman nearly won both events, as she was awarded 227.63 points on the 3-meter board, less than three behind Mason's victor, Emma McDonald. Sophomore Isabella Evers captured third with a mark of 211.43.

Junior Elze Bielskute also captured gold for UMBC, touching first in the 200 yard breaststroke and beating the field by over two seconds.

Seniors Rola Hussein (100 backstroke) and Makaela Hill (100 freestyle) earned second-place finishers for the visitors.  

The entire team travels to VMI for the 2023-24 America East Conference Swimming and Diving Championships from Feb. 14-17. Tickets are available at https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/team.asp?SponsorID=17275.