Wash. and Lee Tops ODAC Swimming Poll

Randolph-Macon, Sweet Briar Round Out Top Three

SALEM, Va. --- Washington and Lee University holds a familiar position in the 2009-10 ODAC Swimming Preseason Poll, as the league's coaches selected the Generals atop the annual survey.  Washington and Lee received 48 poll points and six first place votes on its way to the top billing.  Randolph-Macon College sits second with 43 points and the remaining first place vote.  Sweet Briar College rounds out the top three with 35 tallies.

The Generals have won a record 19 ODAC titles, including each of the last two.  Washington and Lee is charged with the task of replacing two-time ODAC Swimmer of the Year and 2009 Honorable Mention All-American, Lindsay Strachan.   Head coach Kami Gardner, the 2009 ODAC Coach of the Year, welcomes back a roster full of talent to do just that.

Back for the Generals are several standouts including reigning ODAC Rookie of the Year, Lauren Starnes, and seven of the team's 10 All-ODAC First Team selections from a season ago.  Starnes won both the 200 and 500-yard freestyle events, just two events amongst the 14 won by Washington and Lee at the 2009 ODAC/Atlantic States Swimming Championships.  Seniors Lynn Bazzel and Sarah Simpson will be charged with leading the squad that includes 14 first year newcomers.  Also look for seniors Jenna Worsham and Ryan Pinney to provide leadership, as well as juniors Tess Hayden and Becky Guynn.

Randolph-Macon is two years removed from their last ODAC title, but the Yellow Jackets feature several returnees to help the squad make a run at a second league crown.  Three of five All-ODAC First Team selections return to Ashland.  Corinne Campbell is joined by sophomores Sarah Almond and Lara O'Brien.  Second team choices Kellianne Mullin and Brianna Lovell look to take the next step forward with both entering their second collegiate seasons.

Two-time All-ODAC First Team choice, senior Hannah Hesser, returns to the pool for Sweet Briar following a second team award in 2009.  She's joined by fellow second team honoree, sophomore Charlotte Greenwood, as well as former first team choice, junior Melissa Simpson.

Listed below is the full 2009-10 ODAC Swimming Preseason Poll.  For more information on ODAC swimming, visit any of the participating schools' websites, or the NEW Internet home of the ODAC at www.odaconline.com. 

2009-10 ODAC Swimming Preseason Poll
(#) denotes first team votes