READING, Pa. – The Albright women's swimming team gifted its graduating seniors by opening the new year with a 135-87 victory over Middle Atlantic Conference opponent Hood on Senior Day on Saturday afternoon at the Albright Natatorium.

Albright, which improved to 4-3 on the season, won eight of the 12 events before competing in the final two events as exhibition. The Lions were led by Sam Hand, Julia Wadding and Ashlyn Chermol, who each finished with multiple wins.

Hand was one of five Albright seniors competing in her final home meet along with Julia Barry, Corrine Freeland, Madeline Hudson, and Kaitlyn Rockwell.

One of the events that Hand secured a victory in was the 1000 free, where the Lions swept the event. Hand was the first Lion to touch the wall in 11:24.10. Hudson finished in 11:40.57 for second, and Faith Guzzo came in next at 12:02.90 for third place. The other event that Hand topped the podium in was the 500 free, which she completed in 5:36.19.

Wadding earned a pair of wins in the 200 freestyle and 200 backstroke. Wadding edged out teammate Hannah Schrock in the 200 free for first with a time of 2:05.56, while emerging victorious in the 200 backstroke in 2:18.88. Wadding also swam a leg on the Lions winning 200 medley relay team as well.

Ashlyn Chermol and Alex Trego finished one-two in the 200 butterfly as Chermol secured a win with her time of 2:13.93. Trego finished right behind her teammate in 2:33.92.

???????Chermol also beat out teammate Dayne Martin in the 100 butterfly to secure her second win of the day. The freshman was the lone swimmer to complete the race in less than a minute earning the win in 59.31.

Alexis Willis saw success in the 100 freestyle by beating out Hood's Ashley Griffin for her lone win of the meet. Willis, who won in less than three seconds, finished the event in 57.46.

The Lions return to action next Saturday, January 10, when the team travels to Ursinus College for a 1 p.m. meet.