New Rochelle, NY - The Iona College Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving teams opened the 2008-09 seasons at the Hynes Athletic Center against the defending MAAC Champions, Marist College.  Both the men and women were in every event but the Red Foxes took the meet. 

 

On the men's side, sophomore Seth Tasman was a double winner taking the 50 Free in 21.84 and the 100 Free in 48.56.  "[Seth] is such an agressive kid," commented Head Coach Nick Cavataro.  "He had a lifetime best fly leg on medley relay.  He is swimming a first half season best and wants to win every race and take every lap."  Marist took the men's side by a score of 164-90.

 

On the women's side, the women's 400 relay of Maggie Wood, Jamie Manser, Sam Cody, and Mackenzie Mone, set a school record with a 4:05.21.  Cody also tied a school mark with her 2:11.17 time in the 200 Butterfly.  "I actually thought I went slow during the race," said Cody.  "I was surprised when I looked up and saw my best time."

 

"Sam is coming off a rough first season last year," said Cavataro.  "She has been healthy all year and has been putting out some great efforts.  We haven't done a lot of fly and for her to come out that fast this early is exciting."  It was a 146-101 win for the Red Foxes on the women's side.

   

Cavataro had positve things to say about the first home meet for the Gaels, while this was the third meet of the season for the Red Foxes.  "Every event was a close event and with a little more depth, we'll be able to be competitive in the future."  He added that the both the men's and women's teams will only get better and faster as the year goes on. "We have ten days off before we go at it again."

 

The Men's and Women's swimming and diving teams return to the Hynes Athletic Center Pool on Tuesday, December 2.  The Gaels welcome St. Francis (NY) and Stony Brook for a dual meet.