The Daily Gamecock

Swimming and diving teams reach new heights at Nationals

The South Carolina men and women's swimming and diving teams made a name for themselves in the CSCAA National Invitational last weekend.

A first place victory was awarded to freshman Allen Ross in the men's 50 yard freestyle finishing in 20.36. Allen was awarded this recognition on Thursday from the College of Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America National Invitation. 

Head coach McGee Moody acknowledged Ross' performance and expressed that he had a "strong first day" winning the men's 50 free.

Not only did Ross make a notable appearance at the United States Naval Academy, but Justin Rose also secured the ninth place spot in the men's 50 yard freestyle. In addition, Rose finished the men's B final in the 50 free with a time of 20.66. 

However, it wasn't just the men's team that set records. Sophomore Christina Lappin was able to earn a podium spot during the first day of the CSCAA National Invitational by finishing second in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 22.63. 

"We had a strong first day, highlighted by a new school record in the 50 free by Christina Lappin," Moody said.

The Gamecocks showed the same level of skill going in to the more recent NCAA Women's Swimming and Diving Championships. 

This was South Carolina's fifth All-American performance as Albury Higgs earned 15th place in the 200-yard breaststroke. 

"This was the best NCAA Championships performance I have been a part of since I've been the head coach here," Moody said. "We finished in a tie for 20th, our first top-20 finish since 2004, and had five All-America performances. I'm very pleased with how well we performed throughout the week."

The Gamecocks did not come up short in the championship, earning a tie for 20th place for overall team standing. In addition, South Carolina sealed its performance by bringing back the record of the first top-20 finish at the NCAA Championship since 2004.

Even though the women made their final mark on the year, the men's team has one more shot to prove themselves when they travel to Minneapolis this week in hopes to earn new titles and break records.


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