No. 15 Tennessee Men Sweep South Carolina (128-111), No. 18 Kentucky (135-104)

COLUMBIA, South Carolina, October 27. THE 15th ranked Tennessee men's swimming and diving team defeated South Carolina, 128-111, and Kentucky, 135-104, Friday in Columbia, S.C., at the Carolina Natatorium. The wins move the Vols to 3-0 on the season.

"It was an exciting environment with six teams competing (including the women)," UT head coach John Trembley said. "We had many parents and relatives in the stands who are now following us up to Raleigh for the meet (Saturday). We also appreciate the support our Athletic Director Mike Hamilton gave us at the meet, cheering us on to victory."

Junior Michael Wolfe won the 200 backstroke in 1:48.26 to cap off his third top-three finish on the day. Wolfe finished second in the 200 I.M. in 1:51.92. Brad Boswell finished fifth in 1:57.40. Dominique Lendjel won in 1:51.62 for the Gamecocks.

Wolfe also finished second in the 200 butterfly in 1:50.71 behind Leopoldo Andara of South Carolina. Greg Houchin finished fifth in 1:54.22.

Sophomore Nolan Morrell won the 200 free in 1:39.73, and finished second in the 500 free in 4:33.61 behind Dan White of South Carolina.

The Vols placed first in the 200 medley relay in 1:29.94 led by Boswell. Freshman Barry Murphy, senior Andrew Engle and freshman Octavio Alesi followed Boswell's lead. Tennessee also finished fourth in the relay with Stan Czarnecki leading.

Alesi won the 50 free in 20.39 with Engle finishing fourth in 21.24. Murphy won the 100 free in 45.80.

"We started the meet very strong with a great 200 medley relay," Trembley said. "Nolan Morrell swam a very fine 200 free, Octavio Alesi swam a nice 50 free for a win and Michael Wolfe had a very tough double in the 200 back and 200 fly. Both of Michael's times were great. Barry Murphy had a solid 100 free for the win also."

Murphy, Engle and Alesi teamed up again in a relay and won the 200 free relay in 1:21.73. Morrell joined the action swimming the third leg of the relay.

Freshman and East Tennessee native Michael Muscari is making up for lost time after redshirting last year with his second win in two dual meets. Muscari won the 1-meter with 281.10 points. He also followed up with a third-place finish on the 3-meter with 279.80 points. Junior Ryan Rincon finished second on the 3-meter with 300.65 points. David Ovelson of South Carolina won the 3-meter with 352.05.

"On the 3-meter we had a great performance out of Michael Muscari," Trembley added. "Muscari also had a tremendous 1-meter.

"We will get some rest and look forward to another great meet Saturday in Raleigh against North Carolina State."

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