PHILADELPHIA, PA - The La Salle University women's swimming and diving team opened the 2005-06 season on Friday afternoon hosting the Villanova Wildcats.  The Explorers came up short in a 139-88 loss to the Wildcats at Kirk Pool.

Diver Katie Gifford scored two first place victories in the 1-meter and 3-meter diving events.  Gifford scored a 277.65 in the 3-meter and a 288.67 in the 1-meter to earn 18 points for the Explorers.

Rachel Sheridan also contribute eight points for La Salle with second place finishes in the 200 freestyle (1:57.91) and the 100 freestyle (55.12).

Jamie Polek turned in a gold medal performance in the 500 freestyle with a time of 5:11.23, almost two seconds faster than Villanova's Laura Skoda. 

The Explorers swept the 100 breaststroke after Villanova's competitors were disqualified.  Sheridan took first place adding another nine points to her total, while Carrie Houck finished second (1:16.15) followed by Kathryn Hartman in third 1:16.28.

La Salle will waste no time in getting the season going, as they will host a dual meet with George Washington and James Madison on Saturday, October 22nd at 1:00 p.m.