Oct. 15, 2005
Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams were defeated on Saturday afternoon in dual meet action against Florida. The Gators men’s squad earned a 165-120 win with Florida on top 168-129 on the women’s side. Highlighting the afternoon for Carolina was senior women’s diver Allison Brennan, who won both the one-meter and three-meter boards. Haley Skaggs and Christy Williams also had first place finishes for the USC women’s team.
“The women and men’s teams both raced much better today in comparison to last meet against Auburn,” said head coach Don Gibb. “I was very impressed with the women’s performance today. The ladies are getting stronger and today it showed.”
In her first meet back, Brennan didn’t disappoint with a first place score of 347.10 on the three-meter board and 293.85 on the one-meter. Senior diver Tracey Richardson was right behind her scoring 247.75 on the three-meter and 251.40 on the one-meter to earn two second place finishes.
Sernior swimmer Haley Skaggs continued her strong start with a first place time of 51.82 in the 100 freestyle. The 100 freestyle was Carolina’s strongest swimming event with Kassy Kugler earning second place at 52.56 and Diana Lopez taking third at 53.48. Skaggs was also strong for Carolina in the 50 freestyle with a second place finish at 24.19. Sophomore Christy Williams also is shining early for USC with another first place finish in the 200 butterfly. Wiliams won the event with a time of 2:02.15.
The men’s team saw freshman diver David Ovelson win his first career event with the Garnet & Black. Ovelson won the one-meter with a score fo 314.57 and also finshed second on the three-meter with a score of 315.00. Juinor swimmer Colby Mack turned in solid performances in freestyle with a second place finish in the 200 freestyle at 1:42.18 and second in the 100 freestyle at 46.53. Senior co-captain Reid Duff contributed as well with a time of 21.27, good enough for a second place finish. Senior co-captain Justin Kata earned second with a time of 58.74 in the 100 breaststroke.
South Carolina continues the 2005-06 season next week with a busy weekend both home and on the road. Several members of the women’s team will head to Dallas, Texas for the SMU Women’s Classic from Oct. 21-22. The USC men’s team and members of the women’s team will also compete in a Triangular Meet on Saturday, Oct. 22 at home at the Carolina Natatorium hosting the College of Charleston and Gardner Webb.
