What you’ve missed about MIT’s winter sports over IAP
Whether you’ve been relaxing at home or traveling abroad, MIT’s winter athletes have been hard at work over the January IAP period. Some teams have hit their stride, while others have faced a few slips. If you haven’t been keeping track of the teams while away, here is a recap of how they’ve been doing (as of the time of publication):
Men’s Basketball
Men’s Basketball had a tough IAP. Entering the month 7-4, the Engineers recorded a 1-7 record over January, dropping them to last in the NEWMAC. The team snapped their losing streak at the start of February with a close 69-66 win over Salve Regina, but dropped their most recent game to Babson 70-82. They currently sit at 9-12 (3-9 conference).
Despite their struggles, they are vying for a spot in the NEWMAC Championship Tournament. Sitting at 8th of 8 teams, they must secure a top 6 finish in the conference to have a shot. They are half a game behind Coast Guard and Emerson, a full game behind Salve Regina, and two games behind Wheaton in the NEWMAC. They have four conference games remaining before the NEWMAC Championship Tournament.
Women’s Basketball
Women’s Basketball had a resurgence over IAP. Entering the month 2-8 on a six game losing streak, the Engineers readjusted and went 7-2. They were on a 5-game winning streak until their recent 72-82 loss to Emerson on Wednesday, their only loss in the NEWMAC this season (they are 5-1 in conference play). Though they are 9-11, they are tied for second in the NEWMAC.
They have 5 games remaining before the NEWMAC Championship Tournament, all of which are in-conference games.
Men’s Volleyball
MIT Men’s Volleyball started their season off hot with seven straight wins. They then cooled down, dropping three consecutive games to ranked teams, losing 1-3 to No. 12 Messiah University, 2-3 to No. 20 Misericordia University, and 2-3 to No. 16 Lasell University. They currently sit at 7-3, and, as of the February 4th American Volleyball Coaches Association poll, are ranked No. 20 nationally among D-III schools.
Their next game is at No. 7 Springfield College this Saturday, 2/8.
Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving
MIT Men’s Swimming and Diving struggled over IAP following the departure of multi-time NCAA Champion Tobe Obochi ’24 after the MIT Winter Invitational and illnesses in the team. Coming into January with a 2-1 record, the team went 2-4 on the month, including a streak of losses to three top-15 teams (No. 1 NYU, No. 10 Tufts, and No. 14 Williams). They most recently beat No. 17 Amherst, and are currently sitting at 4-5. Despite their struggles, they are currently ranked No. 5 nationally among D-III schools by the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA).
MIT Women’s Swimming and Diving, on the other hand, went undefeated over IAP. Entering the month 3-1, they racked up six straight wins, four of which were over ranked teams. They notably beat No. 9 Williams and No. 3 NYU on 1/17, No. 8 Tufts on 1/23, and most recently beat No. 23 Amherst on 2/1. The team is currently ranked No. 4 nationally among D-III schools by the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA).
Both MIT Swimming and Diving Teams will compete at the BU Winter Open on February 7-8th before turning their attention to the NEWMAC Championships on February 20-23rd in Worcester, MA.