Ithaca College Women's Swimming & Diving: Dominant Performance against Cortland (2025)

Imagine a pool transformed into a battlefield of speed and precision—where Ithaca College's women's swimming and diving team unleashed an unstoppable force, crushing SUNY Cortland with a resounding 221-78 triumph that left spectators in awe!

This wasn't just any victory; it was a masterclass in teamwork and individual brilliance, unfolding on a crisp Saturday afternoon in Cortland, New York. For those new to the world of competitive swimming, picture relays where swimmers alternate strokes like a finely tuned orchestra, or individual races that test endurance and technique against the clock. The Bombers kicked things off with explosive energy, sweeping the 400-yard medley relay—a race that combines backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle in a seamless sequence. Their A-team—Ainsley Lappas-Ford, Sydney Koehler, Elizabeth Bodie, and Naomi Fry—claimed the top spot with an impressive time of 4:06.70, setting the tone for what would become a day of dominance.

But here's where it gets interesting: as the meet progressed, individual stars shone brightly, highlighting how personal grit can elevate a team. In the distance events, which demand incredible stamina (think swimming laps for what feels like an eternity), Mya Barbatsoulis powered through the 1000-yard freestyle in 11:19.30, leading the pack. And don't miss this—rookie Paige Simon made her mark in her very first year, conquering the 500-yard freestyle with a solid 5:27.05. Sydney Koehler was a force to be reckoned with, clinching wins in both the 200-yard freestyle (2:02.85) and the 200-yard breaststroke (2:29.34), showcasing versatility that's rare even among seasoned athletes.

Naomi Fry added fuel to the fire with dominant performances in the 100-yard freestyle (55.26) and 100-yard butterfly (1:02.82), while Samantha Bender excelled in the 100-yard backstroke with a precise 1:00.55. For beginners, these short sprints are all about explosive speed and perfect form—imagine darting through the water like a fish on a mission!

Shifting from the water to the boards, diving brought its own spectacle. Maya Hathorn delivered a flawless sweep, winning both the 1-meter (231.55) and 3-meter (238.20) events. Diving, at its core, is an art of acrobatics and precision, where athletes twist, flip, and enter the water with barely a splash—backed by strong showings from Eliza Salus and Madison Morris, it added a thrilling aerial dimension to the meet.

The Bombers wrapped up their stellar showing with a victory in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Charlotte Barton, Elke Beaumont, Emma Kidd, and Samantha Bender teamed up for a swift 1:41.41 finish, underscoring the importance of synchronization in relay events.

Now, for the full rundown of results, let's dive deeper into the specifics—because every placement tells a story of competition:

50-yard freestyle:
1. Molly Wilson (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/molly-wilson/24516) - 26.18
2. Mianny Trinidad (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/mianny-trinidad/24512) - 26.19

3-meter diving:
1. Maya Hathorn (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/maya-hathorn/24500) - 238.20
2. Eliza Salus (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/eliza-salus/24510) - 220.70

100-yard freestyle:
1. Naomi Fry (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/naomi-fry/24498) - 55.26
2. Mianny Trinidad (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/mianny-trinidad/24512) - 57.72

200-yard backstroke:
1. Elizabeth Bodie (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/elizabeth-bodie/24495) - 2:15.54
2. Kathleen Papiernik (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/kathleen-papiernik/24507) - 2:18.11

200-yard breaststroke:
1. Sydney Koehler (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/sydney-koehler/24504) - 2:29.34

500-yard freestyle:
1. Paige Simon (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/paige-simon/24517) - 5:27.05
2. Samantha Bender (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/samantha-bender/24494) - 5:33.45
3. Charlotte Barton (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/charlotte-barton/24520) - 5:38.97

100-yard butterfly:
1. Naomi Fry (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/naomi-fry/24498) - 1:02.82
2. Emily Eichinger (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/emily-eichinger/24497) - 1:03.49

1-meter diving:
1. Maya Hathorn (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/maya-hathorn/24500) - 231.55
2. Madison Morris (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/madison-morris/24519) - 223.90
3. Emily Provost (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/emily-provost/24509) - 219.90

200-yard IM (Individual Medley):
1. Molly Wilson (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/molly-wilson/24516) - 2:21.33
3. Ainsley Lappas-Ford (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/ainsley-lappas-ford/24523) - 2:23.87

200-yard Freestyle Relay:
1. Charlotte Barton (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/charlotte-barton/24520), Elke Beaumont (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/elke-beaumont/24493), Emma Kidd (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/emma-kidd/24503), and Samantha Bender (https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/roster/samantha-bender/24494) - 1:41.41

Looking ahead, the Bombers, now standing at 5-1, are gearing up for their last warm-up before the intense three-day Bomber Invitational. They'll hit the road to face RIT in Rochester, with the action kicking off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 22.

And this is the part most people miss: In an era where sports are scrutinized for equity and excitement, does a blowout like this highlight the thrill of unmatched talent, or does it raise questions about balance in collegiate competitions? Some might argue it's inspiring to see women dominating in a traditionally male-heavy sport, while others could wonder if such disparities make the game less engaging for fans. What do you think—does this level of dominance change the way we view women's sports, or is it just a celebration of hard-earned skill? Jump in the conversation below and let us know your take!