Clemson Swimming and Diving Defeats Davidson

Jan. 7, 2006

Davidson, NC- The Clemson Swimming and Diving Teams won their dual meet against Davidson Saturday at the Charles A. Cannon Pool in Davidson, NC. Seven different Lady Tigers earned individual event victories as they beat Davidson 120-113 to improve their record to 1-5 (0-3 ACC). Matt Balderston led the way for the men as they defeated the Wildcats 119-94 and evened up their dual meet record at 3-3 (1-2 ACC).

Jessica Watcke won both the one-meter (245.10) and the three-meter (237.68) diving competitions. Freshman Michelle Parkhurst started the meet by winning the 1000 freestyle (10:26.60). That win was followed by Nicole Kroeger winning the 200 freestyle (1:59.30), Mary Paulsen taking first place in the 50 freestyle (24.71), and Jill Allen recording a win in the 200 IM (2:15.21). Watcke then won on the one-meter diving board. Jen Grove captured the victory in the 100 freestyle (55.62), and Nichole Carlton paced her way to a win in the 500 freestyle (5:07.55) for the Lady Tigers.

Matt Balderston was a member of the winning 200 medley relay, and won the 100 breaststroke (1:03.15) to lead Clemson. Freshman Paul Berger swept the one-meter (209.70) and the three-meter (204.69) diving boards. Joining Balderston on the winning medley relay was Attila Ruszka, Eric Pinno, and Brett MacLennnan. Brian Possee (1:43.35) and Sean Geary (1:45.62) went 1-2 in the 200 freestyle for the Tigers. Jonathan Mengering sprinted his way to a win in the 50 freestyle (22.30), just .01 ahead on second place. His brother, freshman Daniel Mengering also captured a win, his coming in the 100 freestyle (49.11). Bryce Herrington won the 100 backstroke (53.03), and Andy Bergren won the 500 freestyle (4:42.27) for Clemson. To close out the meet, the team of Brian Regone, Charlie Dillon, Thomas Niemeier, and Greg Middleton took the win in the 200 freestyle relay (1:28.27).

Clemson will next travel to Chapel Hill to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels on Friday January 13. Clemson and North Carolina both met at the Nike Cup in November. The Tar Heel men are ranked 23rd in the nation, while the women are ranked 21st.