Oct. 22, 2005
Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams defeated College of Charleston on Saturday afternoon in a Triangular Meet against College of Charleston and Gardner Webb University. The Gamecocks men’s squad earned a 205-71 win and the women’s squad came out on top 154-135 in its match up with College of Charleston. Gardner Webb’s women defeated both College of Charleston with 139-134 and USC with 147-141.
“The men finally stepped up to race and did very well. I am pleased with their performance today,” said assistant coach Matthew McVittie. “Since eight women are away, it gave the girls here a chance to shine.”
Eight members of the women’s team were in Dallas, Texas, for the SMU Women’s Classic this weekend. Still the women performed well with their split squad today.
“Allison Brennan continues to dominate on both boards,” said diving coach Todd Sherritt. “When she is on, it is hard to beat her.”
Highlighting the afternoon for Carolina was Brennan, who won both the one-meter and three-meter boards with scores that broke school records. Diana Lopez gave a strong presentation in the 50 freestyle with a time of 24.52. Meredith Ruka represented Carolina with a competitive time of 4:32.65. Kendel Fiorentino and Lauren Fayssoux took first and second in the 200 breaststroke with times of 2:24.85 and 2:26.55, respectively. Stephanie Margalis also gave a strong performance with a winning time of 5:03.96 in the 500 freestyle.
The men gave an outstanding performance, winning seven individual events and one relay against College of Charleston. Justin Kata, a senior co-captain, won the 200 breaststroke and 100 breaststroke with times of 2:09.35 and 58.74. Reid Duff had an impressive performance, winning the 100 freestyle with a time of 46.06. Senior Tamas Bathazi shined in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:43.25. Freshman Stephen Luckie found his first win in the 200 butterfly with a time of 1:57.14. Sean Murray and Kevin Cargill took first and second in the 200 backstroke with times of 1:55.54 and 1:59.94, respectively. Dan White took over the 500 freestyle with a winning time of 4:37.63. The 100 yard butterfly belonged to Colby Mack with a time of 52.01. The 200 medley relay, composed of Reid Duff, Justin Kata, Colby Mack and Christian Robledo, posted a time 1:35.37
The Gamecocks continue their season in Knoxville, Tenn., next Saturday, Oct. 28, competing against University of Tennessee. .