Oct. 19, 2006

Columbia, S.C. – Both USC’s swimming and diving teams prevailed over Georgia Tech and fell to Georgia at a tri-meet held at UGA’s Gabrielsen Natatorium.

The meet was the season opener for the South Carolina men, who defeated Georgia Tech 140-100. The women added a victory to their season, overcoming the Yellow Jackets 145.5-95.5. The women now have a 2-1 record, after overcoming the Lady Razorbacks on October 13. The University of Georgia also defeated both of Georgia Tech’s teams.

Overall, the women won six events. Sophomore freestyler Sharntelle McLean had another strong meet. She was the finisher for the winning 200-freestyle relay team, which also including Diana Lopez, Kristina Delp, and Kelly Giese. McLean also won the 50-free with a time of 23.61, bettering her previous season best by three tenths. Amanda Dunnigan, Christy Williams, and Lindsey Tiberio also recorded victories for the team.

The men’s team recorded three victories. On the swimming side two newcomers, Leopoldo Andara and Dominique Lendjel, earned victories in the 200-butterfly and the 200-backstroke, respectively.

The Gamecock divers also had a strong showing, finishing either first or second in all four events. Senior Lyndsey Havens won the one-meter board with a score of 284.35, and finished second on the three-meter board. Sophomore David Ovelson, the Gamecock’s lone freshman NCAA championship participator last year, claimed a victory on the three-meter board, with a score of 366.05. Ovelson finished second on the one-meter board.

The Gamecocks next meet will be against the Kentucky Wildcats at home in the Carolina Natatorium on Friday, October 27 at 3:00 p.m.