Time to reflect on two early-season losses may have been just what the No. 18 Penn State men's swimming and diving team needed to wake itself up and prevent the season from slipping away.

The Nittany Lions competed in the Georgia Invitational in Athens, Ga., this past weekend. The University of Georgia's Gabrielsen Natatorium was host to a stellar field of competition that included No. 12-ranked Georgia, No. 8-ranked Minnesota, No. 17-ranked Alabama and Florida State.

The Lions put the season's two previous meets behind them, both of which were losses to national powers Florida and Virginia, to post a strong third-place finish. With a score of 705 the Lions finished behind Georgia and Florida State, who had scores of 1026 and 1011.5, respectively. Alabama finished fourth at 619.5, and Minnesota ended up last with a score of 130.

"We had some terrific swims tonight," said Georgia head coach Jack Bauerle in a press release. "I think the biggest plus from today was some of our second-line people came through with some swims that will help us at the conference and maybe the NCAA level."

Peter Osborn led the way for Georgia in the 200-yard breaststroke, and his fellow Bulldog teammates, Colin Underhill, Scott Lenyk and Cole Taylor, finished second, third and fifth, respectively.

Robert Margalis captured first in the 1,650-yard freestyle, Taylor and Matthew Owen wrapped up third- and fifth-place finishes, respectively, in the same event. Margalis also finished second in the 200-yard butterfly, an event in which the Bulldogs swept the first four positions, led by Randy Lam's first-place and season-best time of 1:46.05.

"Margalis and Lam were two of our stars tonight," Bauerle said.

Georgia's performance may have overshadowed the Lions' showing, but it was still a big meet for a team that was looking to prove its potential and the ability to live up to the season's expectations.

"The effort of the team has been pleasing," said Penn State swimming coach Bill Dorenkott. "The ultimate goal is to move into the nation's top 10 and compete year in and year out for the Big Ten Championship. I think constant improvement is something this team is doing."

"We are certainly showing signs of life," Dorenkott said in regards to the lackluster start this season.

Eugene Botes took first-place in both the 100-yard butterfly and the 100-yard freestyle swims, and he was also part of the 400- and 800-yard freestyle relay teams that took second in both of their races. The 400-yard team was comprised of Todd Minnier, John Lutz and Erik Gordon. The 800-yard team included Matthew Haupt, Botes, Minnier and Gordon.

Minnier took first in the 200-yard freestyle, while Haupt captured third in the 400-yard individual medley. Also, Haupt and Minnier took fifth and sixth, respectively, in the 200-yard butterfly.

Minnier and Botes had very productive weekends and continue to improve.

Dorenkott hopes they will be at their best by March.

"Todd and Eugene are both great athletes," Dorenkott said. "From a coach's perspective, to have guys around like that is what you look for because you know you will get their best."

The Lions have concluded competition for this year, but will travel to Florida on Dec. 29 for a two-week spring-training session in preparation for the stretch run of the season, after the New Year.

The Lions return to action at Columbia, S.C., against the University of South Carolina on Jan. 11.