State College, Pa. - Penn State opened up the 2000-2001 season with a resounding 171-32 win over Villanova (1-2) on Friday afternoon at the Villanova Swimming Complex. The No. 17 Nittany Lions placed first and second in both relays and grabbed the top three spots in all but two individual events.

Senior Steve Hodgins (Holmdel, N.J.) took first place in both the 1000 (9:29.70) and 500 (4:38.96) freestyle events. Junior Bob Molettiere (Harleysville, Pa.) won both the 50 (21.00) and the 100 (46.31 freestyle events. In the 200 individual medley sophomore Jaffrey Clark (Malvern, Pa.) grabbed first place with a time of 1:55.46. Clark also touched the wall first in the 200 breaststroke (2:12.33).

The Nittany Lions will return home to participate in the Big Cat Invitational this weekend at the McCoy Natatorium. The U.S. swim meet will feature swimmers from all over the mid-atlantic region. Penn State's next intercollegiate meet will be Saturday, November 11th against Miami of Ohio at McCoy Natatorium.

Penn State Villanova Winning Times
1000 Free - Steve Hodgins, PSU (9:29.70)
200 Free- Matt Haupt, PSU (1:43.69)
50 Free- Bob Molettiere, PSU (21.00)
200 IM- Jaffrey Clark, PSU (1:55.46)
200 Fly - Martin Schierhorn, PSU (1:55.93)
100 Free - Bob Molettiere, PSU (46.31)
200 Back - John Retrum, PSU (1:53.37)
500 Free - Steve Hodgins, PSU (4:38.96)
200 Breast- Jaffrey Clark, PSU (2:12.33)
400 Medley Relay - PSU (3:27.27)
400 Free Relay - PSU (3:06.43)