Dec. 4, 2000

VILLANOVA, PA.--- On Dec. 1-3, the Villanova University men's and women's swimming & diving teams traveled to Princeton, N.J., to take part in the Princeton Invitational against the likes of Princeton, Brown, Tennessee, American and Penn State (men). The Wildcat women finished in fifth placed at the weekend's competition with 426.50, while the Villanova men placed sixth (170).

Winning the women's competition was Princeton with 1,103.50 points, followed by Brown (925), Tennessee (908.50), Villanova (426.50) and American (196.50). Tennessee took first place in the men's competition with 1,035 points, followed by Princeton (928), Brown (649), Penn State (402), American (398) and Villanova (170)

Helping lead the way for the Wildcat women came from senior Kristen Olson, who won the 50 yard freestyle in 23.89. Olson also placed fifth in both the 100 (51.96) and 200 (1:51.89) yard freestyles. Villanova's second individual victory came from sophomore Andie Scelsi, who won the 1,650 yard freestyle with a time of 16:43.85. Also swimming well for the Wildcats were junior Brooke Corby, who posted a pair of fourth place finishes (100 and 200 yard breaststrokes), and senior Katie Armiage who placed fourth in the 400 yard individual medley.

In the women's relay events, the Villanova 800 yard freestyle relay team of Christ Welch, Val Mesplier, Michelle Diago and Olson was third, crossing the finish line in 7:58.35. In diving competition, Julie Rhines tallied an eighth place finish for the Wildcats (240.60).

Senior Brian Mulligan kept up his outstanding diving for Villanova by winning the three-meter dive with a score of 349.3. Mulligan also placed second in the one-meter dive (240.60).

The Wildcat men's top swimming performance came from Justin Buland, who placed seventh in the 200 yard breaststroke (2:10.80).

Villanova will resume competition on Jan. 20, hosting the University of Pittsburgh at 11:00 p.m. (dive) and noon (swimming).