The swimming and diving team competed against Rutgers Friday at Villanova for the final home meet of the season. The women lost 150.50-92.50 while the men also fell to Rutgers 139-90. For the women, Jenny Somerville, a 2005 NCAA Championship qualifier, swam to a second place finish in the 500 free. Her first place finish in the 1000 free was a season best for her. Senior Lauren Schulman made her last swim at Villanova noteworthy by swimming to a season best in the 1000 free.

“The three senior women all swam very well on Friday, and the team fed Rutgers a bit of a scare,” Schulman said. “I was indeed satisfied with my 1000 free, finishing in a season best time and close to a Villanova career best.”

The senior men also competed well. Matt McLaughlin and James Harrell tied for a first place finish in the 100 free. The two seniors were also members of the first place 400 relay, along with Jake Rambo and Mike Kernicky.

“Our entire men’s team has been swimming well all year and to tie my roommate of three years, who also has the the same birthday as me, definitely put the finishing touches on a great time here at Villanova,” said McLaughlin. Junior Ryan McKenna swam to a second place finish in the 200 back and placed third in the 200 free. David Drysdale had a first place finish in the 200 breast.

In diving, Danielle Trinker finished second in the 3 meter dive and third in the 1 meter. This meet marked the last home meet for the six seniors on the swimming and diving teams.

“Swimming at home for the last time was bittersweet; exciting to see my four years come together, yet sad to think that the end is in sight,” said senior captain Lauren Schulman.

Senior Matt McLaughlin added, “Our fan support was fantastic, highlighted by numerous posters, banners, and cheers throughout the meet. I could not have spent my last four years with a better bunch of guys than this team.”

The teams will continue their seasons at the Rutgers Invitational December 2nd-4th.