By Jared Sugerman

The Northeastern swimming and diving team won its first dual meet of the 2006-2007 season, defeating the Central Connecticut Blue Devils 177-122 on Saturday at Barletta Natatorium.

“Athletic success is all about confidence, so it’s always good to get off to a good start,” said head coach Roy Coates.

Sophomore Elena Alvarez picked up right where she left off after capturing the 2005-2006 Colonial Athletic Association’s Rookie of the Year Award, winning the 100-meter breaststroke and the 100-meter butterfly against Central Connecticut.

“I feel less pressure this year than I did last year,” Alvarez said. “Having so much talent and depth on the team this year has really helped the whole team to feel more relaxed.”

Northeastern put that depth on display in the 200-meter medley, where Alvarez combined with returnees from last year’s squad, sophomores Alexandra Doty and Kara Lane, as well as highly touted freshman Kathrine Fugge, to capture first place. Lane, a junior co-captain, was especially impressed with Fugge. “Katherine is really easy-going and laid back. She is without a doubt the most talented swimmer on our team,” Lane said.

Taking home second place in the 200-meter medley for the Huskies was the quartet of senior co-captain Tarah Rodriguez, freshman Alexis Kalevich, senior Katy Turner and junior Samantha Sabre. Kalevich finished in second place in the 100-meter breaststroke as well, as did Doty in the 100-meter butterfly. Lane filled out the top three in the 100-meter butterfly.

The divers made a big splash in the 1-meter dive, with juniors Brooks Wallace, Monica Hubbard and Brittany Giles finishing first, second and fourth respectively.

“This is kind of my checkpoint to see what kind of maneuvers I can make in the lineup,” Coates said, prior to Saturday’s meet. “We’ll give everybody an opportunity to show what they have.”

After watching his team’s performance against the Blue Devils, Coates said he is excited about what they may be capable of accomplishing versus Boston College. NU will take on the Eagles Friday at 6 p.m.

“I feel great going up against BC,” Coates said. “We match up extremely well against them, and based on what we’ve done so far and what BC has done so far, it should be one incredible, exciting meet.”