Plymouth State Swimmer named Rookie of the Week

            PLYMOUTH, N.H. - One of the freshmen on the Plymouth State University women's swimming and diving team was recognized Monday with a top weekly honor from the Little East Conference.

            Freshman Jennifer Samaro (Salem, N.H./Central Catholic) was named LEC Rookie Swimmer of the Week.  It is the first time a PSU swimmer has been honored by the LEC this season.

            A freestyle and breaststroke specialist, Samaro (right) captured two individual events and placed second in another Saturday afternoon as Plymouth State nipped Westfield State, 149-148, to break a 16-year losing streak to the Owls. Samaro placed first in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:16.13) and 200-yard individual medley (2:24.04), while finishing second in the 1,000 freestyle (11:59.80), helping the Panthers defeat Westfield State for the first time since 1993.

            Samaro is enjoying a solid freshman season for PSU.  She has posted the fastest time on the team in the 1,000 free (11:59.80), the 1,650 free (20:01.48), the 100 and 200 individual medleys (1:09.50 and 2:27.27, respectively), and the 200 breaststroke (2:47.31).  She also has the second-best times in the 50 butterfly (30.97 relay split) and 100 breaststroke (1:18.04).

            PSU, 3-0, has completed the semester of competition riding an eight-meet winning streak dating back to last season.  The Panthers will look to extend the streak with four straight home meets after the holidays, beginning Wednesday, Jan. 6, against Bentley College (1:00 p.m.) 

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