Polyakov Continues Breaststroke Win Streak
1/7/2005 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
The Alabama Swimming and Diving teams lost to Georgia in Athens today.
Alabama's men, ranked 25th nationally fell to the No. 17 ranked Bulldogs, 130-101 while the Tide women fell to the No. 1 Lady Bulldogs, 131-94.
On the men's side, sophomores Vlad Polyakov and Hunor Mate' continued their domination of the breaststroke events, taking first and second in the 200 breaststroke. Polyakov posted a 1:58.58 while Mate' touched at 2:04.80.
The Tide's sprint crew also had a strong showing. Junior Darren Erasmus and Apostolis Tsagkarakis went one-two in the 100 freestyle posting times of 45.66 and 45.84 respectively. Tsakarakis also won the 50 freestyle, posting a 20.76 while Erasmus was third at 20.85. Both times were season best marks for Erasmus.
Junior Aaron Ashworth and senior Stewart Smith took first and second off the three-meter springboard, posting scores of 345.59 and 333.15.
The men finished out the day with a 3:08.51 first place finish in the 400 freestyle relay by Erasmus, junior Spiros Bitsakis, freshman Ryan Latone and junior JT Jones.
On the women's side of the slate, senior Anne Poleska came out on top in the battle of German Olympians. Poleska faced off against Sarah Poewe in the 200 IM with Poleska coming out on top 2:06.44 to 2:07.34. Both women swam for Germany this summer at the Athens Olympics with Poleska coming home with a bronze medal in the 200 breaststroke.
Sophomore Jenna Hastreiter and Karissa Tuthill took first and second off the three-meter springboard, scoring 277.19 and 276.97 respectively while freshman Erin Sparks and sophomore Selma Beji went one-two in the 200 breaststroke. Sparks finished with a 2:24.39 while Beji touched at 2:38.99.
The Tide women finished off with a season best time in the 400 freestyle relay. Senior Arlene Semeco, freshman Hanna Miluska, sophomore Melina Bassino and junior Anna Grant combined to win the relay with a 3:29.78.
Alabama returns to action in two weeks, hosting the Florida Gators Saturday, Jan. 22.
