Jan. 14, 2010

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - After winning its fourth consecutive dual meet last Saturday against Rutgers, Maryland travels to Pittsburgh for a quad against Villanova, Penn State and host Pitt Friday and Saturday at Trees Pool.

Maryland (7-1, 3-1 ACC) topped Rutgers, 167-129, in its first action at home in the 2010 portion of its schedule. Annie Fittin and Ginny Glover led the way for Maryland, each racking up a pair of individual wins. Fittin captured the 100 back (55.63) and the 50 free (23:30) while Glover, last week's ACC Swimmer of the Week, took home both the 200 free and 200 back. Kim Larson notched a personal-best in her win in the 1000 free (10:14.78) while Alisa Kurbatova captured a season-best in the 3-meter dive (321.30) en route to winning the event.

The Terps, who continue to receive votes in the CollegeSwimming.com/CSCAA Top 25 Poll, will battle some of the Keystone State's finest this weekend as BIG EAST members Pitt and Villanova as well as Big Ten-foe Penn State converge on Trees Pool for the two-day event. Friday's diving events begin at 4 p.m., while swimming begins at 5 p.m. Saturday's action starts with diving at 9 a.m. followed by swimming at 10 a.m.

Pitt brings a 3-2 record into the weekend after taking a tumble at league-rival West Virginia in its last outing. Panther freshman Kelsey Herbst led the way for Pitt last weekend, winning the 1000 free (10:15.32) and finishing second in the 500 free (5:02.45). Senior Margo Ekstrom won both the 1- and 3-meter dive with scores of 249.30 and 242.55, respectively.

Villanova hosted Georgetown and Mansfield in an exhibition its last time in the pool. Sophomore Elizabeth Clarke won the 100 breast and 200 IM races, while senior Kristine Drysdale won the 200 breast. Sophomore Amanda DiMarco captured both the 1-meter and 3-meter diving competitions. The Wildcats started off the year with wins against LaSalle and Richmond then hit a two-meet losing skid with losses to Connecticut and Rutgers. Villanova's last official competition was at the USA Short Course Nationals in Washington. Villanova was also one eight teams that competed in the 2009 Terrapin Cup in mid-November at Eppley Recreation Natatorium, an event that Maryland won.

Penn State finished fourth at the Ohio State Invitational in its last competition. Freshman Amy Modglin won the 200 back (1:57.12) and finished fourth in the 400 IM (4:17.94). Fellow classmate Paige Whitmire touched the wall fourth in the finals of the 100 back (56.38). The Nittany Lions are 2-2 this season, including losses to ACC opponents Virginia and Virginia Tech.

Following this weekend's meet, Maryland returns home for a battle against West Virginia Jan. 23 at Eppley Recreation Natatorium.