PISCATAWAY, N.J. – William Paterson's women's swimming & diving team placed sixth of 12 Division III teams at the Metropolitan Swimming and Diving Championships Feb. 16, at Rutgers University.

Freshman Vera Blazevska (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Valley) broke a school record and touched fifth in the 200 breast A Final (2:26.84) after posting a time of 2:27.49 in the prelims to highlight the Pioneers' final day of competition. Blazevska's time in the event was the best from a Division III swimmer.

Freshman Courtney Lawler (Northfield, N.J./Mainland Regional) finished eighth in the one-meter dive A Final with a score of 308.60.

In the 1,650 free, sophomore Gabrielle Porcaro (Belleville, N.J./Belleville) placed 18th (19.29.95), freshman Cassandra Beck (Lusby, Md./Patuxent) took 23rd (21:07.78) and sophomore Sam Schilling (West Caldwell, N.J./James Caldwell) finished 27th (22:28.03).

Senior Kathryn Burke (Sewell, N.J./Washington Twp.) touched seventh in the 200 fly C Final in 2:31.57. 

The team of Blazevska, Porcaro, junior Sheri Brino (Ogdensburg, N.J./Wallkill Valley Regional) and sophomore Brittany English (Branchville, N.J./High Point Regional) touched fifth in the 400 free relay B Final with a time of 3:55.56.

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