Jan. 22, 2008

Loudonville, N.Y. - Siena freshman swimmer Brittany Pavolko was named the MAAC Swimmer of the Week this afternoon following the announcement from league officials. With the honor, Pavolko becomes the first Saint in team history to win the award twice in the same season. The Pittsfield, Mass. native was named MAAC Co-Swimmer of the Week back on October 30th.

"Receiving this award means a lot to me especially after all the hard work I have put in this season," noted Pavolko. "Coming in as a freshman, I never expected to make such an immediate impact in this league to the point where I would be honored with this prestigious award twice in my first season."

Pavolko led the Saints in a busy week in which the team won two of their three meets and improved to 9-3 on the season including 5-1 in the MAAC. In Wednesday's win against NJIT, Pavolko won both events in which she competed in, capturing first place times in the 100 back (1:01.53) and the 200 IM (2:17.89).

Then in Friday's meet against northeast power Vermont, Pavolko took home first in the 100 fly (1:00.70), while also securing three second place finishes in the 200 fly (2:14.50), 100 free (54.90) and 200 free relay (1:40.28).

Pavolko concluded her stellar week by winning both individual events in which she competed in on Sunday against Canisius, pacing the pool in the 200 free (2:01.88) and 200 fly (2:20.43), before ending the day by combining with three teammates to break an eight year old Siena Swim Center record in capturing the 400 free relay in a time of 3:39.97.

"I think this award is a testament to her desire to be the best swimmer in the conference," added Head Coach Greg Brown. "She's an excellent athlete who does everything I ask and I am very proud to be her coach."

Pavolko and the rest of the Saints will return to the pool on Saturday against Saint Francis (Pa.) for their annual Senior Day meet. Events are slated to get underway at 1 p.m.