Swimmers sweep Davidson in opening fall meet

The Clemson men's and women's swimming and diving teams opened their 2010-11 season by sweeping Davidson in competition Friday at McHugh Natatorium.

"I was really proud that a lot of our seniors decided to rise up and do a good job," said coach Chris Ip. “Then a boatload of freshmen came in and did well.

"We saw a lot of people racing confidently. I think the coaching staff knows that we have a lot more options than we thought, especially on the women's side."

The Tiger women won 13 events en route to a 203-93 victory, led by Tori Cervone, who won the 1000 freestyle, the 200 freestyle and the 200 backstroke, and swam a leg on the Tigers' winning 400 freestyle relay.

Cervone led a 1-2-3 Clemson sweep in the 1000 free. The Tigers also swept the top three places in the 200 butterfly, led by Rachel Raybon, and in the three-meter diving competition, which was won by Brooke George.

Hannah Collins won the 100 and 200 breaststroke races, helping the Tigers go 1-2 in both events.

Other event winners included Ali Polhill in the 100 free, Meg Anderson in the 50 free, Kristen Redmond in the 500 free, Kelly McGee in the 200 IM and Emily Howard in one-meter diving.

Clemson swept both relays, as well.

The Tiger men defeated Davidson 193-98 and were led by David Gordon, who won the 1000 free and the 100 butterfly, and also swam the final leg of the 400 free relay.

Gordon led a 1-2-3 Clemson sweep in the 1000 free, while the Tigers took the top two places in the 100 backstroke, won by Lucas Gerotto; the 50 free, won by Erick Bruck; and the 100 free, won by Myles Oliver.

Clemson also got victories from Pat Chamberlain in one-meter diving, Harry Foster in the 500 free, Will Clark in the 200 backstroke, and Austin Braver in three-meter diving.

The Tigers won both the 200 medley and 400 freestyle relays.

Clemson's next competition will be Oct. 29 against South Carolina, and the Tigers next home meet will be Nov. 5 against Georgia Tech.