Mary Washington, winners of all 22 CAC women’s swimming championship tropies, returns six of their top swimmers to try and extend that streak of CAC titles in the 2012-13 season.  The Eagles also boast an impressive freshman class who should help keep in contention for years to come.

St. Mary’s looks to give the Eagles a run for their money with a team that has nine All-CAC award members and the 2012 CAC rookie of the year. They will be heavily challenged by Marymount, which return five All-Conference swimmers of their own from a team that finished third last year. 

York and first year coach Erin Kurtz hope to improve upon last year’s results with a team led by two school record holders.  Depth will be the key for the Spartans if they want to make any noise this year.

Salisbury who has a solid mix of veteran leadership and young talent and Frostburg State who have ten-freshman swimming this year both look to improve upon last year’s results.

Several teams have already had at least one dual meet this season.  Frostburg State opened the campaign with a win over Gallaudet, Mary Washington has had three meets, including two against NCAA Division I foes, and Salisbury hosted Rowan in a meet earlier this week.

Marymount and St. Mary’s open the CAC season this weekend with a tri-meet including Catholic University.  Salisbury and Frostburg State will also battle it out this weekend in a dual meet at FSU. 

All six teams will gear their schedules to prepare for the 2013 CAC Championship meet Feb. 15-17 at St. Mary’s.

Here is a look at each of the women’s teams who will be competing in the CAC during the 2012-13 season:

Frostburg State

Youthful optimism would be the best way to describe the Frostburg State University women's swimming team in 2012-13. The Bobcats have just two upperclassmen and 10 freshmen and sophomores as they head into their third season under the direction of head coach Jun Yamaguchi. Captain Jessica Rice is the squad's lone senior and returns for her final year after posting three wins and 18 top-5 finishes as a junior. The sophomore tandem of Jaclyn Franzak and Elizabeth Jarrell are growing into a leadership role. They combined for three wins and 30 top-5 finishes in their first seasons and should have a larger impact this year.

Marymount

Marymount returns a veteran squad that looks to improve on its third-place finish at the CAC Championships a year ago.  Despite losing back-to-back CAC Swimmer of the Year Anna Macedonia to graduation, the Saints bring back five All-Conference performers led by Katie Moran, a five-event honoree in 2012.  Also back are three All-CAC performers from last year in senior Emily Wagner and sophomores Casey Thomas and Bridget Wunderly.  Another
returning senior, Kim Rizzo, is a multiple All-CAC swimmer in past seasons.

Mary Washington

Mary Washington, the only school in CAC history to capture the CAC championship, will look to run its streak to 21 straight league championships this winter. Top veterans Lindsay Ancellotti, Robin Brazier, Amber Kerico, Jessica Singer, and Allison Martin look to lead a group of talented newcomers that will propel the Eagles into a top-20 finish at the NCAA Championships in March. Kerico returns as a two-time All-American from last year.

Salisbury

Salisbury will open its season against Rowan University on October 23 at home. The Sea Gulls have a good mix of veteran leadership and young talent to try an surpass last season’s results. The team will be led by senior Sarah Ault and sophomore Taylor Merget. Freshmen Nikki Schult and Andria Moyer join the team and look to make in impact to help the Gulls in 2012-13.

St. Mary’s

Three-year NCAA qualifier and two-year team captain Kelly Heyde will lead a Seahawk women's swimming team that features nine All-CAC award winners.  Heyde returns as the three-time defending champion in the events of the 200 and 400 individual medley as well as the 200 butterfly.  Brooke Raab, the 2012 CAC Co-Rookie of the Year, will look to challenge for the CAC title in the 200 breaststroke after finishing third a year ago

York

York enters a new era with head coach Erin Kurtz led by senior Chelsea Ross. Ross finished second in the 200 free at last year's championships while she also holds the team record in the 100 free. Sophomores Lindsey Buglino and Courtney Dacheaux bring York quality depth. Buglino is York's team record holder in the 400 IM while she can be a force in the IM and breaststroke. Dacheaux will be a strong sprinter for the Green and White.  Juniors Jenny Hinkle and Kelsie Pike give the Spartans quality in the distance freestyle and the individual medley.