Clemson Swimming and Diving drops meets against #14 Virginia

Oct. 29, 2005

CLEMSON, SC- The Clemson Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving programs lost their meets today at McHugh Natatorium. The women, led by freshman Cassy LaRussa who captured two wins and one second place, dropped a close meet 125-118. The men were paced by Brett MacLennan as he placed second in the 200 free, and was a member of the winning 400 free relay, but the Tiger men fell 141-100.

The Clemson men fell to 1-1 overall, 1-1 ACC with the loss. The Lady Tigers are 0-2 overall as they lost their first two conference meets. Virginia improves the men’s and women’s records to 1-1 in their first conference meet of the year.

The Lady Tigers came out with a bang as the 400 medley relay of Michelle Parkhurst, Ashley Shafer, Jen Grove, and Rachel Regone took first place by .01 with a time of 3:49.85. Kim Routh then took first place in the 1000 free (9:59.65), a career best time, LaRussa won the 200 free (1:51.81), and Regone captured the 50 free (23.83). Peg Carter led the way for the Lady Tigers in the 200 fly with a time of 2:07.64, good for second place. LaRussa and fellow freshman Toni Kroll placed second and third in the 100 free. Freshman Michelle Parkhurst won the 200 back with a NCAA provisional qualifying time of 2:00.48, and Routh took her second win in the 500 free (4:54.90). The Lady Tigers won the 400 free relay and recorded a season fastest time of 3:28.44, but fell 7 points shy of the upset.

On the men’s side, Brett MacLennan in the 200 free (1:41.99), and senior Brett MacLennan won, while Regone, Russell, Greg Middleton, and Vahle placed second. “Overall I was pleased with the effort of both our men’s and women’s teams,” said Clemson Head Coach Chris Ip. “In the women’s meet, it came down to the last relay. So I am very excited with today performances. In the women’s 400 medley relay with had nice win to get us started. Kim Routh did a great job winning the 500 and 1000 free. Michelle Parkhurst won the 200 back in a great time. Freshman Rachel Regone took first in the 50 free and anchored the 400 medley and free relays. “

“Brian Regone finished first in the 100 free today and Mark Vahle won the 50 free. Our 400 free relay teams finished one and two today and that shows a lot of depth. We took the three top spots in the 100 free. So I am very impressed with our performances as Virginia is a top program in the ACC year in and year out and is currently ranked in the top 15.”

The Tigers next meet will be on Friday November 4th at McHugh Natatorium. They will face off against South Carolina in a solid orange meet.