Virginia Sweeps Pitt

Virginia’s swimming and diving teams ended their home season Sunday with a sweep over Pittsburgh. The women extended their dual meet record to 8-2 with a score of 157-136, while the men (7-3) won 159-132.

Head coach Mark Bernardino shifted the events somewhat, allowing the athletes to swim some different events.

“We were able to learn a little bit about the versatility of our athletes today,” Bernardino said. “Sometimes in practice or in training, they do some other events and we see a glimmer of opportunity for them in that event. Mentally, to not race the same race week in and week out keeps them fresh. The level of emotion we put into this week versus last week was significantly different. I just wanted them to use their physical skills.”

Virginia opened the meet with wins in both of the 200-yard medley relays. Mei Christensen, Ellie Freeman, Kristen Wallace, and Nancy Baar led the women, clocking in at 1:44.46. The team of Stephanie Glover, Katherine McDonnell, Liz Shaw, and Amber Bialas was right behind them, touching at 1:44.46 for a 1-2 Cavalier finish.

The Cavalier women dominated, winning all but four events. First-year Claire Crippen was instrumental yet again, placing first in the 1000 free with a time of 9:59.31. She added another first-place finish in the 200 fly, touching at 2:02.45.

Fourth-year Jessica Lewis put in a solid performance in her final home meet, winning the 200 free with a time of 1:49.97. Classmate Stephanie Glover also notched a win in the 50 free, clocking in at 23.68.

Christensen placed first in the 100 back (56.12), McDonnell in the 100 breast (1:04.45), Amanda Faulkner in the 200 back (2:03.08), Freeman in the 200 breast (2:16.19) and Claire Galdun in the 500 free (4:53.73).

Virginia diver Jackie Apple put up her best performance of the season, placing first in the 3-meter event with a score of 294.53.

The men also got off to a quick start, with Eric Olesen, PJ Sullivan, Lee Robertson, and Scot Robison swimming a season-best time of 1:30.83 in the 200 yard medley.

Much like the women’s team, first-place finishes for the men were also plentiful. Second-year John Azar put some points on the board with multiple victories. He won the 200 free, touching at 1:38.91. He also placed first in the 100 free with a time of 45.51.

Other Virginia victories included Taylor Smith placed first in the 1000 free (9:29.52), Olesen in the 100 back (50.26), Pat Reams in the 200 fly (1:50.59), Robertson in the 50 free (21.20), Kenton Harris in the 200 back (1:50.92) and John Snawerdt in the 500 free (4:33.01).

The spectators witnessed some exceptional diving as Pitt’s Alex Volovetski set a new Aquatic and Fitness Center record on the 1-meter with a score of 398.55. His teammate, Jeremy Stultz, also set the pool record. He scored 409.73 on the 3-meter.

The Pittsburgh-Virginia meet was broadcast live on ACC Select. Archived footage can be viewed at www.accselect.com.

Virginia returns to action next weekend at the Navy Invitational in Annapolis, Md. The event is the last before both teams compete in their respective ACC Championships.