Emrich and Hooper Propel Women’s Swimming to Triumph at the Exciting Vulcan Invitational!

CALIFORNIA, Pa. – The Frostburg State Women’s Swimming team emerged victorious on both days of the Vulcan Invitational, surpassing the hosts, Bethany, and Salem (WV) in the four-team event.
 
FSU commenced day one with a second-place showing in the 200-yard freestyle relay, as newcomers Madison Hooper and Genna Rippeon partnered with seniors Kendall Hooper and Lydia Nebiolo to clock in at 1:43.07. Frostburg’s alternate relay team also finished as runners-up, with Nebiolo, senior Natasha Paciello, junior Gabriela Betancourt, and sophomore Alexis Ramsey achieving a time of 4:16.42 in the 400 medley.
 
Freshman Taylor Emrich showcased an impressive individual performance, securing two championships in the 500 free (5:23.82) and the 200 butterfly (2:21.96). The Bobcats accomplished a 1-2-3 sweep in the 200 backstroke, led by Nebiolo at 2:14.37, followed by sophomore Jayme Meadows (2:17.21) and freshman Kay Buhrman (2:18.58). Kendall Hooper secured the last victory of the day, triumphing in the 50 free with a time of 26.03.
 
As the final scores were tallied, FSU concluded with 228 points for first place, narrowly edging Cal’s 222.5.
 
The second day of competition showcased the Bobcats’ only relay victory, as Betancourt, Paciello, and both Hoopers achieved a time of 1:52.15 in the 200 medley. The elder Hooper proceeded to clinch two additional victories in the 100 fly (59.67) and the 200 IM (2:17.39).
 
Emrich continued to impress with a victory in the 1,650 free (18:58.01), ranking 10^th in program history, before securing a second place (1:03.62) behind Betancourt (1:01.73) in the 100 back. Paciello concluded the meet by winning the 200 breast in 2:35.66.
 
The Bobcats triumphed on day two with a significantly larger margin, totaling 269 points compared to the Vulcans’ second-place total of 194. Frostburg is set to host their regular season finale against Salem on Friday, January 17 at 1 p.m. Updates and information will be posted to frostburgsports.com.