Jan. 26, 2012
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State swimming and diving teams will continue competition this weekend as the women's team will host Villanova at 5 p.m. on Friday, while the men's team will travel to Columbus for a tri-meet with Ohio State and Michigan. The tri-meet will begin on Friday and continue into Saturday.
Last time out, now 20th-ranked women's turned in a stellar performance on last Saturday afternoon, downing No. 20 Arkansas (167.5-132.5) and Navy (237-63). The Nittany Lions won 10 events on the day, including both relays.
The meet started with the 200 medley relay, where senior Sam Palser (Chester Springs, Pa.), junior Paige Whitmire (Lederach, Pa.), sophomore Mackenzie Powers (Sycamore, Ill.) and sophomore Rachel Butler (Lancaster, Pa.) took first place, earning a time of 1:42.13, a pool record for the McCoy Natatorium. Over in the 200 freestyle, Penn State had a nice one-two finish. Senior Erin Thomas (Bangor, Maine) took first place, clocking a time of 1:50.90. Finishing behind her was senior Katie Pulos (Rosemont, Pa.), who earned a time of 1:51.63. Whitmire would win four events on the day.
Last weekend, the men's swimming & diving team fought to a winner-take-all final event in the 400 freestyle relay, but Navy prevailed by .35 for a 155-145 victory last Saturday at McCoy Natatorium. Freshman Nate Savoy (Reading, Pa.) had a standout day, helping the 200 medley relay to a meet opening victory as well as wins in the 200 backstroke and a thrilling 200 IM that set up the thrilling conclusion of the day.
With a one-point difference heading into the final event, Navy's Mac Anthony's 44.34 final leg of the 400 freestyle held off a charging Sean Grier (Hummelstown, Pa.), who swam 44.09, for the Midshipmen (9-1) to escape Happy Valley with a victory. The Mids won in a time of 3:00.52, while PSU posted a 3:00.88 in the thrilling dual meet.
Action on Friday for the men will begin at 5 p.m. and continue on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m.
For complete coverage of all the Nittany Lion swimming & diving this season, visit GoPSUsports.com.