Dec. 2, 2007

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dominique Lendjel captured another first-place finish and freshman Claire Thompson turned in a strong showing on the final day of competition at the Alabama Classic on Sunday. Lendjel capped an excellent weekend of competition by capturing the top spot in the men’s 200-meter backstroke event (2:03.08), while Thompson finished first in the 1500-meter freestyle with a mark of 17:05.07. 1500-meter freestyle with a mark of 17:05.07. The Alabama men’s team finished first in the team standings, followed by Florida, USC and Auburn. The Alabama women also captured first place, followed by the Gators, Gamecocks and Tigers.

Thompson also finished third in the women’s 100-meter free (58.30), finishing just behind Julie Golden of Auburn (58.26) in second. Also turning a strong performance during the final day of competition was senior Carly Hensel who finished fourth in the 200-meter breaststroke (2:41.32).

Senior butterfly specialist Christy Williams finished second in the 200-meter butterfly, pacing the Gamecocks in a time of 2:18.61. Steven Luckie paced the Gamecock men in the event, finishing third (2:09.20), followed by Keith Dawley in eighth (2:19.86).

Also for the Gamecock men, Michael Lawrence finished third in the A-Finals heat of the 200-meter breaststroke 2:28.86, followed by classmate Brett Sexton who finished seventh (2:42.18).

Both the Carolina men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams will take a break for exams and the upcoming Holidays before resuming their season Jan. 12 against Davidson and Duke.