November 2, 1998

CLEMSON, S.C. - The Clemson women's swimming team is tied for 25th in the Speedo America's College Swimming Coaches Association's preseason poll.

The Tigers opened the season over the weekend, dropping a 130-113 decision at Virginia before defeating Virginia Tech 165-78. The Tigers were led by 1998 All-American Erin Schatz, who won two events at each meet last weekend.

Four Clemson women's swimmers earned NCAA "B" Standard Qualifying times during the first weekend of competition. Senior Wendy Henson recorded a time of 1:50.11 in the 200 free at Virginia, and junior Jennifer Mihalik finished the 200 back in 1:59.73 at the same meet. Schatz earned a provisional qualifying time after winning the 500 free in 4:54.69. Freshman Cami Sink had provisional cuts in two events. She won the 200 IM at Virginia (2:03.40 and the 400 IM at Virginia Tech (4:24.13).

The team will compete at Tennessee Friday at 2 p.m.

The complete preseason poll is as follows:

     1   Stanford
     2   Georgia
     3   Arizona
     4   SMU
     5   Southern California
     6   Auburn
     7   Michigan
     8   California
     9   Texas
    10   Northwestern
    11   Nebraska
    12   Minnesota
    13   Wisconsin
    14   Florida
    15   UCLA
    16   North Carolina
    17   Tennessee
    18   Virginia
    19   Kentucky
    20   Notre Dame
    21   Nevada
    22   Texas A&M
    23   Arizona State
    24   LSU
    25   CLEMSON
         Columbia