Feb. 20, 2003

Baltimore, MD -- The first day of competition is over at the 2003 MAAC Swimming and diving championship, with the Marist men atop the standings looking for its eighth straight MAAC crown. The women's team is in fourth place within striking distance of its second crown in as many years.

Matt Castillo won his first event of the meet, as he captured the men's 200 yard individual medley crown for the second straight season. Trevor Charles placed second in that event for the Red Foxes, while Rob Dunn touched in fifth place.

The Red Foxes also went 1-2 in the men's 50-yard freestyle, as Ricky Kapusta captured the crown in a time of 21.05. Jeff Paul touched second just .05 seconds later, and Ray Ferranti tied for fifth place in the event.

Missy Gifford was the lone winner on the women's side on the first day of competition, as she captured the women's one-meter diving event. Teammate Amber Van de Carr finished fourth the Red Foxes in that same event.

The Marist men captured the 200-yard freestyle relay, the first event of the day, and won the final event as well, the 400-yard medley relay, to take over first place in the overall competition. The women, who scored 53 points in the 500-yard freestyle, are currently in fourth place.

The three-day competition continues on Friday at Loyola College in Baltimore, MD. Complete final results from the first day of competition are available on the men's and women's swimmind and diving pages on GoRedFoxes.Com.