NEWARK, DE -- The University of Delaware men’s swimming and diving team opened its 2006-07 season with a 178-107 win over George Mason while the Blue Hen women posted a 156-144 victory over the Patriots Saturday afternoon at Harry S. Rawstrom Natatorium.

The UD men, who improved to 1-0 overall and 1-0 in the Colonial Athletic Association and were coming off a 4-8 season a year ago, defeated George Mason for the first time in six all-time meetings. The Patriots, who were also competing in their season opener, finished second at the CAA meet last season. The Delaware women, who went 11-2 last year and finished fifth at the CAA Championships, improved to 3-3 all-time against George Mason, which finished third at last season’s conference meet.

John Ohlhaver won the 100 backstroke in 53.83 and the 200 backstroke in 1:58.24 to lead the Blue Hen men’s team, while Andrew Zinn (right) captured the 50 freestyle in 21.10 and the 100 freestyle in 47.58. Matt Abbruzzese took the 1-meter diving event with a score of 246.00 and the 3-meter diving event with a 247.65 score.

Garrett Arant won the 1000 freestyle in 10:02.94 for Delaware, while Adam Blomberg took the 200 freestyle in 1:46.92 and Ryan Carolan captured the 200 butterfly in 1:59.85. The UD 200 medley relay team of Ohlhaver, Matt Rathbun, Grady Carter and Zinn won its race in 1:37.19, while the Blue Hen 400 freestyle relay team of Carter, Blomberg, Brendan Spencer, and Zinn won its event in 3:14.18.

The Delaware women’s team was led by Maryann Walker, who won the 200 freestyle in 1:55.91 and the 200 backstroke in 2:09.46. Emily Smathers took the 100 backstroke in 1:01.12, while Stephanie House captured the 200 butterfly in 2:09.68.

Meredith Law won the 500 freestyle in 5:10.28, while Sarah Begley took the 100 butterfly in 59.20. The UD 200 medley relay team of Smathers, Kellie Pastore, Begley, and Rachel Greene won its event in 1:50.69 for the Blue Hens.

Both Delaware teams return to action on Saturday, October 28 when they travel to Georgetown for a 1 p.m. meet with the Hoyas.

Men’s Agate: Delaware def. George Mason, 178-107

Top Delaware Finishers: 1st Place: 200 Medley Relay (Ohlhaver, Rathbun, Carter, Zinn, 1:37.19); Garrett Arant (1000 Freestyle, 10:02.94); Adam Blomberg (200 Freestyle, 1:46.92); John Ohlhaver (100 Backstroke, 53.83, 200 Backstroke, 1:58.24); Ryan Carolan (200 Butterfly, 1:59.85), Andrew Zinn (50 Freestyle, 21.10, 100 Freestyle, 47.58); Matt Abbruzzese (1 Meter Diving, 246.00, 3 Meter Diving, 247.65); 400 Freestyle Relay (Carter, Blomberg, Spencer, Zinn, 3:14.18); 2nd Place: Joe Virion (1000 Freestyle, 10:16.06); Brendan Spencer (100 Backstroke, 55.53); Grady Carter (50 Freestyle, 21.31), Adam Blomberg (100 Freestyle, 49.01), Garrett Arant (200 Backstroke, 1:58.62); Matthew Rathbun (200 Breaststroke, 2:17.88); 3rd Place: 200 Medley Relay (Mullan, Erdosy, Carolan, Abbott, 1:42.48); Craig Offutt (1000 Freestyle, 10:18.67); Craig Greenberg (100 Backstroke, 1:04.17); Troy Sattgast (200 Butterfly, 2:02.08); Tom Gallagher (1 Meter Diving, 187.05); Brendan Spencer (200 Backstroke, 2:01.96); Mark Erdosy (200 Breaststroke, 2:21.59); Ben Blotner (3 Meter Diving, 225.60)

Meet Results