The Penn State men's and women's swimming and diving teams both outlasted three other Pennsylvania teams to open the 2001-2002 season with a win.
The day was split into two sessions, with the morning session starting at 10 a.m. and the afternoon session starting at 3 p.m., and did not finish until well after 6 p.m.
The men's team scored 1,399 points, over West Chester, Bucknell, and Villanova respectively. The women's team had 1,214.5 points, over Villanova, West Chester, and Bucknell. Overall Penn State took first place in 25 out of 38 events, including taking both the women's one meter and three meter diving events (both won by freshman Maggie O'Brien) and the men's one meter (freshman Marc Gastaldo).
Senior Bob Molettiere, whose 200 medley relay team and 200 freestyle relay team took first and second respectively, was happy with the outcome of the meet.
"It was a long meet," Molettiere said. "Everyone was super tired from getting here at 7 this morning. But, it was exciting to see how everyone got up to race."
Head coach Bill Dorenkott, prior to the meet, had stressed the importance of not worrying about times, but to work on strategy.
"I'm pleased with the way we raced with a lot of intensity, although the times don't really show it," he said. "This has probably been the most complete fall in terms of intensity in my 11 years of coaching, and it shows."
While Dorenkott has been coaching the women's team for the past three years, this is his first season as head coach of the men's team. He took over after the departure of 17-year men's coach Peter Brown. Swimmers reacted positively to the coaching change.
"It's different for the men being under a new coach but I'm happy with the change," Molettiere said.
Ten women were selected to travel to Houston, Texas, to compete in the Continental Airlines Classic. Penn State placed sixth behind California, Virginia, Rice, Missouri, and Washington.
The Nittany Lions' performance was highlighted by numerous second place finishes — sophomore Sally Anderson in the 200 freestyle and 200 backstroke, junior Lindsey Wilson in the 100 breaststroke, senior captain Piper Chamberlin in the 100 freestyle, and senior Lindsey Fraschilla in the 200 breaststroke.
Senior co-captains Alecia Kornacki and Barb Mulsahine also made the trip along with juniors Kristen Winehold and Crystal Eberwein, and senior Melissa Wilson. The next meet for both teams will be at the University of Virginia at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
"Virginia has a tradition of tough swimming and had an outstanding summer," Dorenkott said. "Right now, I don't want to get caught up in wins and losses. I want this team to be a prime time team. We need to get the job done at Big Ten schools and against Div. I-AA."
