Dec. 12, 2002

Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina women’s swimming and diving team moved up three spots to No. 19 in the nation in the latest CSCAA (College Swimming Coaches Association of America) poll.

South Carolina finished in fourth place at the Auburn Invitational last weekend, with the Gamecocks securing several top times on the year. Among the success USC had at the event was the 200 freestyle relay team (Anna Nyiry, Heather Skaggs, Carolynn McHugh, Jennifer VanAssen) setting a school record with an NCAA automatic qualifying time of 1:30.76. The 200 freestyle relay time is the top time in the SEC and one of the top times in the nation.

The South Carolina women’s squad has several members of the squad among the top 10 in the SEC. Nyiry, VanAssen, Heather Skaggs and McHugh are all among the top 10 in 50 freestyle. VanAssen also holds the top time in the SEC in the 200 freestyle at 1:47.31 also a new school record set last weekend.

On the diving side, sophomores Lauren King, Allison Brennan and Tracey Richardson are among the top four in the SEC in one-meter and three-meter diving competition. King is first in one-meter with 342.00 and second in three-meter with a score of 363.00. Each diver has qualified for the NCAA Zones competition in March.

South Carolina is one of four SEC teams to be ranked in the Top 25. Auburn is ranked first, Florida is ranked second and Georgia third in the nation.

South Carolina will return to action on Jan. 11 at the Carolina Natatorium vs. Tennessee and Penn State.