Oct. 24, 2005
Charleston, Ill.- The UIC men's and women's swimming and diving teams opened the season in style on Saturday as each picked up a dual meet victory over Eastern Illinois at the Lantz Natatorium.
The UIC men's team secured a 132-107 win, while the ladies garnered a 131-112 decision over the Panthers.
The Flames kicked off the season with wins in the 200-yard medley relay. The foursome of Jessica Darud, Aisha Williams, Kelly Hyatt and Colleen Dougherty, the same four who set a new school record in the event at last year's Horizon League Championships, opened the season with a winning 1:53.46.
The men's 200 medley relay followed with a win as Adan Jimenez, Stefan Staev, Kris Simos and Blake Booher raced to a 1:36.14.
Junior Emily Biancalana gave UIC its first individual win of the year with a victory in the 200 freestyle, swimming a 2:00.80 for a near-three second win. Biancalana would go on to clinch her second win of the day later in the meet with a 100 free victory (55.34).
Giving the men their first individual win of the year was freshman Sean Dawson, who swam to a 1:45.89 in the 200 free.
In 50 free action, Booher continued where he left off at the 2005 Horizon League Championships by taking the title against Eastern Illinois. The defending league champion in the event swam a 21.15 on Saturday to earn the win.
Sophomore Andrea Giczewski bashed her previous career best in the 50 free with a 24.90 to take the win. Giczewski also swam a 1:01.47 in the 100 backstroke to claim the win.
Mike Conroy took the 200 IM crown with a 2:01.56, while Ari Bernstein (52.37) grabbed a 100 fly victory.
Four-time 2005 All-Horizon League honoree LeRoy Stevens started the season off on a strong note with a 100 free win in 47.49.
Jason Dews also picked up a 500 freestyle win with 5:03.64.
The diving corps picked up three wins on the day as Sarah Economides (one-meter/231.98), Mark Pappalardo (one-meter/258.46) and Miranda Ambuske (three-meter/199.58).
