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 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 (above), 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.

Women’s Agate: Delaware def. George Mason, 156-144

Top Delaware Finishers: 1st Place: 200 Medley Relay (Smathers, Pastore, Begley, Greene, 1:50.69); Maryann Walker (200 Freestyle, 1:55.91, 200 Backstroke, 2:09.46); Emily Smathers (100 Backstroke, 1:01.12); Stephanie House (200 Butterfly, 2:09.68); Meredith Law (500 Freestyle, 5:10.28); Sarah Begley (100 Butterfly, 59.20); 2nd Place: Meredith Law (1000 Freestyle, 10:43.61); Emily Watts (100 Backstroke, 1:01.22, 200 Backstroke, 2:12.10); Kellie Pastore (100 Breaststroke, 1:07.42); Maryann Walker (50 Freestyle, 25.04); Kendall Warren (100 Freestyle, 54.53); Stephanie House (100 Butterfly, 59.62); Michelle Stephens (200 Individual Medley, 2:13.01); 400 Freestyle Relay (Warren, Greene, Begley, Walker, 3:37.51); 3rd Place: 200 Medley Relay (Watts, McHale, Stephens, Warren, 1:53.84); Katie Zoretic (1000 Freestyle, 10:48.24); Stephanie House (200 Freestyle, 1:57.25); Brenna Davis (100 Backstroke, 1:01.53); Kailey Pelton (200 Butterfly, 2:10.77); Kendall Warren (50 Freestyle, 25.45); Sarah Bergan (1 Meter Diving, 194.33, 3 Meter Diving, 208.80); Michelle Stephens (200 Breaststroke, 2:27.83); 400 Freestyle Relay (Gallagher, Heinz, House, Law, 3:45.76)

Meet Results