Dominance.
That was the word to describe the Penn State women's swimming and diving team's performance this past weekend as the Nittany Lions took home another first place finish in Charlottesville, Va.
The Lions entered the tournament along with Virginia Tech, Clemson and host Virginia. All took part in the two-day event, although it hardly seemed as though the other schools showed up.
In the first day of action, the Lions picked up multiple first place finishes, including impressive performances overall. Sophomore Courtney Adlam took first in the three-meter springboard diving competition and sophomore Kaitlin O'Brien took home first in the 200 individual medley. It was O'Brien's first race of the year, and just missed out on an NCAA qualifying time by .19.
The 200 butterfly might as well have been known as Penn State's race. The Lions captured first, second, and third place, with all three swimmers racing to qualifying times. The women's team also won the 400 medley relay, which was the fifth first place finish for the team. The relay team consisted of freshmen Michelle Myers and Lyndsey Smith, sophomore Kelly Nelson and junior Molly Crispell.
In the second day of action, the Lions continued their winning ways, achieving five more first place finishes as well as winning all three dual meets.
Senior Nikki Collins won her second event of the meet by capturing first in the 1000 meter freestyle, and O'Brien secured two more wins in the 400 individual medley and the 200 breaststroke. This gave her a clean sweep of the individual medleys for the tournament.
Crispell took first in the 200 freestyle, and shortly behind her were her teammates Collins, senior Jessica Barnes and sophomore Sarah Baker, who finished fifth, sixth, and seventh. Even the final women's event of the tournament saw the Lions achieve success with the relay team of Nelson, Crispell, Myers and sophomore Karie Haglund finishing second.
With several individuals recording their best results this season, it was only fitting they as a team took home first. The Lions did just that, defeating Clemson 245.5-107.5, Virginia Tech 243-110 and Virginia 192-161.
The Lions' three dual meet victories move them to a perfect 4-0 on the year. They continue action next weekend as they host the Big Cat Invitational at McCoy Natatorium on November 4 and 5.
