The Eastern men’s and women’s swim teams both improved to 2-0 as the men beat Lewis 112-93 and the women’s team won 104-101.

Both teams combined for 14 first place finishes, including a first-place finish in the 200-medley relay and 400-freestyle relay for both teams.  Junior Lauren Oostman helped the women’s team win the 200-medley relay (1:51.88), and two individual events.

Prior to this weekend’s meet, Oostman has been dealing with a wrist injury.  Practice this past week was challenging for her; however, Oostman still managed to finish first in the 200-IM (2:14.82) as well as the 100-Back (1:00.05).

“Since I couldn’t do much with my wrist being taped up, I worked my kick outs a lot more than I usually do,” Oostman said.  “Coming into this meet, knowing we’ve lost to Lewis the last two years, it gave me the adrenaline I needed to succeed in my two individuals.”

Other women swimmers who had first place finishes were freshman Erin Farley and senior Danielle DiMatteo.  Farley finished first in the 200-free (2:01.08) and DiMatteo finished first in the 100-butterfly (59.20).

For the men’s team, freshman Scott House helped win the 400-relay (3:10.79), as well as placing first in two events: the 200-free (1:46.33) and 100-free (47.52). House attributes his wins to not only himself, but to his teammates and home pool advantage.

“Personally, I needed to relax,” House said.  “The other guys helped me focus and not get so anxious.  Swimming at home also helped since I was used to the pool.”

Aside from House, three other men swimmers finished first place in an event.  Senior Matt Jacobs won the 50-free (21.85) event, senior Steve Fishman won the 200-IM (1:59.91), and senior Brandon Robbins earned first place in the 100-breast (58.79).

An area where the Panthers have excelled at so far this year is their deck presence.  Both Panther teams have had great chemistry and encouragement during their first two meets, which helped contribute to the swimmer’s success against Lewis.

“We had some huge swims that contributed to the atmosphere,” House said.  “Even when we weren’t in the water, we were cheering for teammates who were.  This attitude created momentum in our favor which resulted in some great swims.”

Since he is not expected to return from his injury until at least Oct. 24, junior Alex Laleian is one of the swimmers who avidly cheers on the pool deck.  He said he is optimistic about the team atmosphere and how it will carry throughout the season.

“The atmosphere is very upbeat and positive, especially after Saturday’s win over Lewis,” Laleian said.  “After this kind of start to the season, it’s definitely something I think we will continue to strive for.  It’s worked so far this season.”

The Panthers will host the Western and the Butler Bulldogs next Saturday at 1 p.m.

Adam Shay can be reached at 

581-2812 or acshay@eiu.edu.