Behrend Women's Swimming and Diving Team Sinks Penn State Altoona in Junker Pool

The Penn State Behrend men's and women's swimming and diving teams defeated the Penn State Altoona Lions on Saturday, January 16 at the Junker Center Pool.  The men earned a 100-81 win, while the women won 107-82.  The Behrend women are now 6-1, while the men improve to 4-3 on the season.

Behrend standout divers Steve Graves (McMurray/Peters Township) and Krystal Kovach (Scott Township/Chartiers Valley) each came through with big performances.  Graves stepped up with NCAA qualifying performances on both his 1m and 3m dives with scores of 292.95 and 294.90 respectively, and set Behrend records in both events.  Kovach also hit NCAA qualifying performances on both her 1m and 3m dives with scores of 260.85 and 290.4 respectively.

Other outstanding performances for the Behrend women included first place finishes by Danielle Wilson (Pittsburgh/Plum) in the 200 yard freestyle (2:11.24), Katie Van Epps (Pleasantville/Titusville) in the 1000 yard freestyle (12:06.95), Heather Vickery (Bradford/Bradford) in the 200 yard breaststroke (2:43.93), and Julie Cook (Warren/Warren) in the 50 yard freestyle (27.31).

The Behrend men enjoyed wins in several events throughout the meet inluding John Kelley (New Kensington/Burrell) in the 1000 yard freestyle (10:54.84), Brian Mong (Franklin/Franklin) in the 200 yard freestyle (1:50.92), Frank Sullivan (Montoursville/Montoursville) in the 100 yard freestyle (50.71), and Andrew Opalewski (Slippery Rock/Slippery Rock) in the 50 yard freestyle (23.40). 

The Penn State Behrend swimming and diving teams will be on the road for their next three contests.  On Saturday, January 22 the blue and white will be at Chatham University for a meet that will begin at 6 p.m.  The Behrend Lions are scheduled for a battle against the Washington and Jefferson Presidents the following night and another road challenge at Grove City on Friday, January 29.