Oct. 19, 2002

Complete Results

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The 2002-03 swimming season opened with mixed results today for the University of Maryland as the women rolled to a 159-82 victory and the men's team lost 138.5-102.5 at home against NC State.

The women were led by senior Shandra Johnson (Omaha, Neb.) and sophomore Elizabeth Lavell (Annapolis, Md.), who each came away with two victories for the Terps.

Johnson, who has not swam competitively in almost three years because of several back surgeries, turned in a solid performance in her first meet back. She captured first place in both the 100-yard freestyle (51.25) and the 200-yard freestyle (1:51.28). Lavell had victories in the 500-yard freestyle (4:55.82) and the 1000-yard freestyle (10:14.65).

Other multiple winners for the Terps included sophomore Megan Knepper (Williamsport, Md.) in the 200-yard backstroke (2:03.18) and the 400-yard medley relay (3:48.53). Freshman Krisztina Kovacs (Budapest, Hungary), senior Bridget Mallon (Arlington, Va.) and sophomore Cynthia Weir (Irwin, Pa.) joined Knepper in the winning relay. Kovacs went on to win the 200-yard breaststoke (2:16.09), and Weir was victorious in the 50-yard freestyle (23.97).

The Terrapins also won the 400-yard freestyle medley relay (3:32.51) with the team of juniors Kerry Kennedy (Weston, Conn.) and Valerie Courtois (Saveuse, France), sophomore Marina Mulyayeva (Almaty, Kazakhstan) and freshman Shirlee Manoogian (Holbrook, N.Y.). Mulyayeva also won the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:06.27.

On the men's side, junior transfer Mark Hill (Rye Brook, N.Y.) swam well in his debut with the Terrapins, capturing victories in the 50-yard freestyle (20.76) and the 100-yard freestyle (45.85). Hill was joined on the winning 400-yard freestyle relay team (3:06.79) by senior Brian Luoma (New Castle, Del.) and sophomores Mike Fried (Ambler, Pa.) and Erik Weinberg (Phoenix, Md.)

Other winners for the men were sophomore Chris Brandenberger (Stony Brook, N.Y.) in the 200-yard backstroke (1:51.16) and junior Steven Vigilante (Plano, Texas) on the one-meter diving board (285.60).

Both teams return to the pool Saturday (Oct.26) at home against Clemson and Virginia Tech. The meet is set to begin at noon in the Campus Recreation Center Natatorium.

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