Nov. 3, 2007

CLEMSON, S.C. – The University of South Carolina men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams traveled to intrastate rival Clemson on Saturday, where the Gamecock women captured their first victory of the season, 157-143, and the men suffered a 206-97 setback against the Tigers. The Carolina women improve to 1-4 for the year, while the men fall to 0-5. Freshman swimmers Claire and Christine Thompson finished first and second, respectively, in three events for the Carolina women, while Dominique Lendjel captured two first-place finishes for the men.

The Thompson duo swept two of the top three spots in the 1000-yard freestyle swim, 200-yard free and the 50-yard freestyle events. Claire captured first in all three events, posting times of 10:03.95, 1:50.40 and 4:55.89, respectively. Twin sister Christine finished second in all three with times of 10:06.91, 1:52.37 and 4:59.30, respectively. Both posted season-best marks in the 1000-yard event, while Claire’s 500-yard freestyle mark was also a season low.

Also for the Gamecock women, Christy Williams captured the top spot in both the 100- and 200-yard butterfly events, posting season-best times of 55.96 and 2:00.70. Her mark in the 200 race was an NCAA B Cut qualifying time. Williams also took first in the 200-yard IM (2:05.81).

The women’s diving team swept the top three spots in the one-meter event, led by Taryn Zack (289.13) in first, followed by Allison Barr (279.98) and Sarah Mory (262.20). Zack (279.22) and Barr (250.20) also finished first and second, respectively, in the three-meter.

For the Gamecock men, Dominique Lendjel continued a strong season, finishing first in the 100-yard backstroke (50.93), first in the 200-yard IM (1:52.16) and second in the 100-yard freestyle event (46.31).

For the Gamecock divers, David Ovelson (285.60) took first and Cory Christian (280.12) finished second in the one-meter dive, while Ovelson (307.50) followed with a first-place showing in the three-meter.

South Carolina will enjoy a lengthy break before traveling to the Alabama Invitational, Nov. 30-Dec. 1.