Nebiolo, Rippeon, Garase Sweep MEC Women's Swimming Postseason Awards

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – The Mountain East Conference announced their 2024-25 Women's Swimming awards on Thursday with Frostburg State sweeping the ballot, as senior Lydia Nebiolo, freshman Genevieve Rippeon, and Head Coach Kyle Garase were recognized. 
 
Nebiolo heads the honors by being named MEC Women's Swimmer of the Year for the perfect ending to her career.  In her final run at a conference title, Nebiolo received First Team All-MEC in the 400 medley, 400 free, and 800 free relays, as well as the 100 back, before earning Second Team All-MEC in the 1000 and 1650 free, along with the 200 back.  Being a part of all four of Frostburg's MEC titles, Nebiolo finished out her career with record breaking times in the 50 back (28.03), 100 back (58.83), 400 medley relay (3:57.68) and 800 free relay (7:50.48).
 
Rippeon had an outstanding first collegiate season in the pool, making her name known early and finishing out the year with MEC Women's Swimming Freshman of the Year honors.  In her first run at a MEC championship, Rippeon captured First Team All-MEC nods in the 500, 1000, and 1650 free, as well as the 400 IM, 400 medley relay, and 400 and 800 free relays.  She set program records in the 200 IM (2:30.30), 400 IM (4:31.52), 400 free (4:35.60), 1650 free (17:38.18), 400 medley relay (3:57.63), and 800 free relay (7:50.48) in just her first year.
 
Garase, sweeping Coach of the Year honors, led the Bobcats to their fourth straight conference title in just his first year at the head of the program.  Under Garase, FSU put up 974 total points at the G-MAC/MEC Championships for a fourth place finish overall.