The pre-meet controversy over the scoring systems was a moot point yesterday, as the women's swimming team defeated Brown -- no matter which point system was used.

The Lady Lions never lost the lead as they cruised to victory, winning 11 events. Using the 9-4-3-2-1 system, they won, 176-111. Or, using the 5-3-1 system, the Lady Lions won, 87-54.

"The system didn't matter in the outcome of the meet because we were such a dominating team today," Penn State coach Bob Krimmel said. "There was no reason to use the other system."

"It was a good meet for us," Brown coach Mark Johnston said. "We made a lot of good cuts. I think we are ready for Easterns."

Penn State, No. 2 in the East, improved its record to 10-2.

But Brown was without top swimmers Jennifer Boyd, Joanna Zieger and Jennifer Norton. Boyd is the nation's top 50 freestyler while Zeiger is No. 1 in the East in the 500-yard free and 400 individual medley. Norton specializes in freestyle events. All three swimmers did not make the trip so they could rest for the Eastern Championships, Johnston said.

"He told me if we had used the other system he would have brought Jennifer Boyd," Krimmel said.

In addition, Darci Lamphere, Brown's top breaststroker, swam in freestyle events. Brown did not enter any swimmers in the 100-yard breaststroke, giving the Lady Lions a sweep. In the 200 breaststroke, the Lady Bruins only entered one swimmer but the Lady Lions managed another sweep.

It was almost as if Johnston wanted the meet to be lopsided.

"I really can't explain what he did," Krimmel said. "That's why we can't worry about the other team."

The Lady Lions used their talent sparingly -- Jennifer Wilson, Kathleen Dick, Denise Sonntag and Kristin Lilly saw limited action in the meet. The team relied on its depth.

"It's great when you can switch people around," Krimmel said. "It's a good sign going into Easterns."

Last Thursday, Krimmel and Johnston disagreed about the scoring system. Johnston wanted to use the 5-3-1 point system for individuals and 7-0 for relays. Krimmel wanted to use the 9-4-3-2-1 system for individuals and 11-4-2 for relays.

Johnston called Krimmel on Friday and tried to get the 5-3-1 system to be used in the meet. Krimmel said no, explaining that the system would hurt his team. Johnston told Krimmel that Brown would never swim Penn State again.

"We were just going by the rule book," Krimmel said.

After sweeping the 500 free, the Lady Lions reached 156 points, five points over the 151 needed to win a meet. The meet was over with four events left to go. So Krimmel decided to swim the last two events exhibition, giving Brown the points.

"It's nice to have that meet out of the way," Krimmel said. "It's a sad way for a good series to come to an end. Sometimes it just happens that way."