Villanova University

Nov. 4, 2000

VILLANOVA, PA.--- On Friday, Nov. 3, the Villanova University men's and women's swimming & diving teams traveled to South Orange, N.J., to face Big East foe Seton Hall. First year Villanova head coach Rick Simpson guided his Wildcats to a sweep of Seton Hall, with the Villanova women defeating the Pirates 142-93, and the Wildcat men beating Seton Hall 120-117. Simpson came to the Main Line in July, 2000, following three seasons heading up the Pirate swimming & diving program.

Seniors Kristen Olson and Katie Armitage led the Villanova effort by winning two events apiece. Olson finished first in both the 100 (53.04) and 200 yard (1:53.17) freestyle events, while Armitage won the 200 yard individual medley (2:09.37) and the 500 yard freestyle (5:07.28).

Other winners for the Wildcat women were sophomore Andie Scelsi in the 1000 yard freestyle (10:16.59), freshman Rebecca Koch in the 200 yard butterfly (2:10.62), and freshman Katie Shipe in the 200 yard backstroke (2:10.06). In the relay events, the Villanova women were victorious in the 400 yard medley relay.

On the diving front, the Wildcats got an outstanding performance by freshman Julie Rhines, who won the one-meter competition with a score of 240.15. Rhines also tallied a second place finish in the three-meter dive (220.65).

For the Villanova men's swimming and diving team, senior Brian Mulligan and freshman James Wolczynski led the way for the `Cats. Mulligan swept the diving competition, winning the one-meter (284.48), and three-meter (291.83) dives. In the pool, Wolczynski led the Wildcats with wins in the 1000 yard freestyle (9:57.83), and 500 yard freestyle (4:47.90).

Senior Duane Couture also posted an individual victory for Villanova, registering a first place swim in the 200 yard freestyle (1:46.08)

The Wildcats will resume competition on Saturday, Nov. 4, traveling to Storrs, Conn., to face the University of Connecticut at 1:00 p.m.