November 2, 1996

Notre Dame Men’s Swimming Falls to Ball State

Muncie, Ind. — Notre Dame’s men’s swimming and diving teamdropped a tight 127-116 decision at Ball State Saturday in a meet thatcame down to the final race. The loss is the first dual meet loss forthe Irish who opened the season a week ago with a win at WesternOntario. The Irish fall to 1-1 while the Cardinals open the season at1-0.

Ball State jumped out to a quick 13-4 lead before the Irish took thetop three spots in the 1000-yard freestyle. Scott Zumbach, John Lubkerand Sean Casey finished one-two-three for Notre Dame who claimed a 20-16lead after two events.

The Irish rallied once again turning a 62-50 Ball State lead into aslim 66-65 Notre Dame lead when Zumbach, Ry Beville and Rich Murphyplaced one, two and three in the 200-yard butterfly.

Notre Dame attempted to rally once again. After the Cardinals builta 22 point lead with three events to go, the Irish trimmed the lead to109-98 when Wes Richardson, Lubker and Robert Fetter, who won the200-yard individual medley for Notre Dame, swept the first three placesin the 500-yard freestyle. Notre Dame cut the lead to 114-112 whensenior captain Matt Rose won the 200-yard breaststroke with SteeleWhowell and Antonio Fonseca in third and fourth for the Irish.

Trailing by two points heading into the final event, Notre Dame cameup short in the 400-yard freestyle relay as Ball State claimed first inthe final event and hung on for the win.

Notre Dame returns to the pool Friday, Nov. 8, when they travel toChestnut Hill, Mass., to face Boston College.