Mano-a-Mano: Who has shone most in the winter for Penn athletics?

Penn athletics has seen a number of individuals excel across a wide range of sports during the winter season, but who has stood out the most? Sports Editor Ian Wenik and Associate Sports Editor Jimmy Lengyel debate:

Sports Editor Ian Wenik: That’s a really tough question. There are plenty of worthy candidates, but I think that I’m going to go with swimmer Rochelle Dong, in a bit of an upset.

It’s hard to believe that she’s a freshman, considering how seamlessly she’s integrated herself into coach Mike Schnur’s 200 medley relay team in such a short period of time.

Add on her consistent strong performances in the 50 free, and you have yourself a swimmer that could potentially be the heir apparent to Shelby Fortin.

Associate Sports Editor Jimmy Lengyel: I agree, it’s hard to choose from some of the great achievements we’ve seen across the winter sports. In my book the choice is obviously Alyssa Baron (which may be the popular vote).

Baron has been absolutely dominant all season, like she has been every season. She’s racked up 227 points, 101 rebounds, 26 steals and one Ivy League Player of the Week award.

Baron has been a rock for this team and will definitely be close to holding every significant statistical record at Penn before her tenure concludes this season. I think what’s been even more impressive is that she has done all of this while staying out of the spotlight, giving way to freshman Sydney Stipanovich.

IW: It’s funny, because trying to compare a swimmer to a basketball player is a bit like comparing apples and oranges ... or water and motor oil.

I think the distinction to be made here is that to me, Dong is most impressive because she’s emerged out of basically nowhere. Baron’s been great this year, sure, but did you really expect anything less out of Penn women’s basketball’s cornerstone?

You could even argue that Dong has been having a better season than Shelby Fortin, which is even more impressive considering Fortin’s track record. Dong is just getting started.

JL: I take nothing away from Rochelle Dong and her achievements this season, but a similar argument can be made about her performance. Her coach has praised her since day one, and I’m glad she’s living up to expectations.

I think what you have to consider in Baron’s performance is the fact that not only has she been an offensive juggernaut, but she’s made her team better. She’s been much better at spreading the ball around and allowing players like Kara Bonenberger and Stipanovich to flourish.

Again, she’s done all of this out of the spotlight. I only see her getting better as the Ivies go on whereas Dong could stumble due to her inexperience. Either way, both are incredible athletes.