Lions Ousted By Westminster

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – Despite putting a good effort in the water, the Penn State Behrend men's swimming and diving team fell to Westminster 176.5 – 108.5 in non-conference action on Saturday.

Diver Andrew Neder (Fairview, PA/Fairview) was a double winner in the 1-meter and 3-meter events. He earned a score of 229.85 on the one-meter and then posted a 189.70 on the three-meter.

Dan Simon (Harrison City, PA/Penn Trafford) and Eric Peirce (Harmony, PA/Seneca Valley) were the other individual winners. Simon tied for first in the 100 backstroke. He clocked in at 52.83 along with Steven Brooks for the Titans. Peirce won the 200 IM in 2:07.39.

Leading the way in the butterfly events, Clay Altemose (Apollo, PA/Apollo-Ridge) placed second in the 100 (52.73) and third in the 200 (1:04.02). Brian Mong (Franklin, PA/Franklin) was the Lions' leader in the distant events. The senior was second in the 500 freestyle (5:06.87) and third in the 1000 freestyle (10:32.57).

Javier Solivan (San Juan, Puerto Rico/UHS) held the top Behrend times in the 100 and 200 freestyle. He took second place in the 100 with a time of 49.52, less than a half second from first.  Solivan also earned third in the 200 (1:50.42).

Justin Pritchard (Cranberry Township, PA/Seneca Valley) finished third in both the 100 and 200 breaststroke.  He had a time of 1:04.02 in the 100 and 2:25.12 in the 200.

In the 50 free Hunter Backenstose (Downingtown, PA/Downingtown East) was second overall in 22.70. He was also a part of two relays, including the first-place 200 free relay along with Simon, Pritchard and Jake DesRoches (Fairfax, VA/WT Woodson).

Simon, Pritchard, Backenstose and Altemose were .17 seconds behind first place in the 200 medley relay, touching in 1:36.53 for second.

Behrend returns to action on Friday, January 18 against Allegheny. Meet begins at 5 p.m.