Davidson College Athletics
East Carolina
Martin Sets New Record in First Collegiate Meet, but ECU downs Wildcats
10/13/2007 8:42:26 PM | Men's Swimming & Diving, Women's Swimming & Diving
Lauren Biggers -- Assistant SID
DAVIDSON, N.C. -- Freshman Lindsey Martin set a new Davidson record with a time of 23.95 in the 50 free, but both the men and women Wildcat swimmers were defeated by the visiting East Carolina Pirates in the teams' season-opening meet on Saturday afternoon at Cannon Natatorium.
The Pirate women defeated the Wildcats 184-116, while the Wildcat men fell by a margin of 205-91.
"The team competed with a great deal of intensity today," head coach John Young said. "Not only did we embrace the close races that we were in, but we also found ways to create those situations. Against a very deep ECU team, we stood tall, and I'm proud of the group. We won some great close races."
Martin was the highlight on the women's side, setting a new school record in the 50 free. The previous record, a time of 24.35, was held by Susanne Herring and dated back to Feb. 18, 1994.
"Lindsey is a tremendous talent," Young said. "And that swim is a great feather in her cap, and a great start along the path towards what she is ultimately capable of."
The Wildcat women also got strong performances from junior Alanna Ream and freshman Anna Stringfield, as they took titles in the 1000 and 500 freestyles, respectively.
Among the men, junoir Merritt Peele picked up where he left off last season, pacing the team with wins in the 100 and 200 freestyles.
School-record holder Scott Frantz also returned to form, winning both the 100 and 200 backstrokes.
"The team knows that it can depend on Scott to compete if he is in a close race," Young said. "He did a nice job of positioning himself to win the backstroke events today. I'm excited that he showed so much closing speed at this point in the season."
Davidson will return to action return to action next Saturday, as the teams travel to Atlanta, Ga., for a 1 p.m. meet at Emory.
