Nov. 4, 2004

Fairfax, Va.--George Mason University's swimming and diving teams will be one of three sites for the first annual Colonial Athletic Association Pod Meet this weekend at the Aquatic & Fitness Center. The competition between Mason, College of Charleston, Davidson and Drexel will begin at 5 p.m. on Nov. 5 and will resume the following day at 1:30 p.m. Old Dominion and James Madison are the other two host sites where the remaining conference schools will compete.

Most recently for the women, the Patriots fell to East Carolina by a score of 151-87 at home on Oct. 30. With this loss, Mason now holds an overall dual meet record of 2-2 and are 2-0 in conference meets as the Patriots have defeated both Delaware and William & Mary. Against the Pirates, Liz Gabriel posted 252.60 points in the 3-meter diving event for a first place finish, while Liz Ouzts swam the 200-yard breaststroke in 2:24.09 to place first. The 200 breast was swept by Mason as Lexi Hatfield and Brittany Surkovich rounded out the top-3 with times of 2:30.82 and 2:37.75, respectively. Lacy Richardson, Emily Welty, Mallory Pucci and Christy Anderson were all part of the 400-yard freestyle relay team and placed first with a time of 3:41.00.

On the men's side, the Patriots' last dual meet was against ECU at home and the Pirates claimed a 153-90 victory on Oct. 30. Mason holds an overall dual meet record of 2-1 and are 2-0 in league meets as the Patriots have mirrored the women's efforts as they have defeated both Delaware and William & Mary. The Patriots captured four titles against ECU, which was highlighted by two wins from Tom Koucheravy. The first victory for Koucheravy came in the 1,000-yard freestyle as he finished in 9:51.51 and then went on to claim the 500 free title (4:38.51). John Appleman collected 280.80 points in the 3-meter diving event for a first place finish, while Joe Houchin edged out Matt Donohue of ECU to finish first in the 200 butterfly with a time of 1:54.18.

Each site will follow the same format for an early peak to the competition throughout the league. Please revisit the Web site as the schedule of events will be posted shortly.