COLLEGE PARK, MD.--- On Friday, Oct. 20, the Villanova University men and women's swimming & diving teams opened the season at College Park, Md., taking on the University of Maryland and Howard University. The Wildcat men finished 1-1 on the afternoon, defeating Howard 140-63, but losing to the Terrapins 184-51. The Villanova women recorded a 1-1 record in their first meet of the year as well, beating Howard 182-49 and losing to Maryland 168-72.

The Wildcats tallied four victories on Friday, getting first place finishes from senior Katie Armitage in the 200 yard individual medley (2:07.47), sophomore Andie Scelsi in the 1000 yard freestyle (10:11.38), freshman Julie Rhines in the one-meter dive (230.69), and senior Brian Mulligan in the one-meter dive (270.07).

The Villanova women got a number of other outstanding performances in the meet. Four individual swimmers posted second place performances including senior Katherine Volz in the 1000 yard freestyle (10:20.29), junior Val Mesplier in the 100 yard butterfly (58.88), senior Kristen Olson in the 100 yard freestyle (52.27), and junior Brooke Corby in the 100 yard breaststroke (1:06.82). Volz also registered a third place performance in the 500 yard freestyle (5:03.18).

In relay competition, the Wildcat 200 yard medley relay team placed second (1:51.67), while the Villanova 200 yard free relay team finished in third place in a time of (1:39.51).

On the men's side, the Wildcats earned two second place performances. Senior Duane Couture placed second in the 200 yard freestyle (1:46.64), while freshman James Wolczynski posted a third place mark in the 500 yard freestyle (4:45.81). Third place finishes were had by Mulligan in the three-meter dive (210.45), sophomore Peter Klimas in the 100 yard freestyle (48.05), fellow sophomore Adam Walchak in the 200 yard individual medley (2:00.83), and freshman Ryan Costella in the 1000 yard freestyle (9:58.94).

In relay competition, the Villanova 200 yard free relay squad (1:29.46) posted a third place finish as well.

The Wildcats will get back into action on Friday, Oct. 27, hosting Penn State in their first home meet of the season at 4:00 p.m.