Oct. 30, 2007

Loudonville, N.Y. - Siena freshman Brittany Pavolko (Pittsfield, Mass./Pittsfield) was named the MAAC's Co-Swimmer of the Week today following two individual victories and a team victory in the Saints 146-101 triumph over conference rival Fairfield Saturday. This is the second time ever a Siena swimmer has been awarded this honor, following Samantha Coratti who won the award last season. Pavolko will share the award with Loyola's Caitlin Cassidy.

The freshman phenom paced the pool on Saturday, capturing individual victories in the 200 freestyle (1:57.77) and the 100 butterfly (:59.64), while also making up part of Siena's 200 medley relay winning team.

"It feels great to win this award," remarked Pavolko. "I had no idea I would be swimming the times that I have so far this year. Our team is doing well and it's great to be a part of our outstanding start we have had so far."

Just two meets into her collegiate career, Pavolko has already won four individual competitions after picking up victories in the 200 IM and 100 butterfly in the Green and Gold's season opening tri-meet split on October 20th against Niagara and UNH. On that afternoon, Pavolko set both a new pool and school record in the individual medley event with a time of 2:13.81, while breaking the previous Siena record in the 100 fly (:59.12).

The Pittsfield, Massachusetts native joins the Green and Gold this season following a stellar swimming career at Pittsfield High School where she was the Massachusetts State Champion in the 100 fly her junior year.

It's great to have an honor like this so early in the season," added elated Head Coach Greg Brown. "It's not only a testament to the hard work that Brittany has put in, but also the team in general."

Pavolko and the red hot Saints who have opened the year with a 2-1 record including an unblemished 2-0 mark in MAAC play, will return to the pool tomorrow night when they head to Holy Cross for a 7 p.m. meet.