Behind strong showings from its rookies, the men's swim team slipped past Keene State College 146.5-138.5 Saturday to capture its first victory of the season, improving to 1-1. The women also were carried by their rookies, but fell short, losing 160-137 to Keene State and dropping to 0-2.For the second straight meet, James Liu '10, captain Matt Lerman '07 and Hal Grossman '08 placed won at least one event apiece.

Liu, who won three events, including the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 49.86 seconds, the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 150.6 seconds and the 100-yard fly with a time of 56.3 seconds, has exceeded his own expectations as a rookie so far.

"I was a bit surprised," he said.

"I thought I swam pretty well, and the team was really happy for me."

Another rookie, Justin Wellis '10, also impressed by winning two of his three events, the 100-yard and 200-yard backstrokes.

"All of our freshmen are doing great, and it motivates the upperclassmen," captain Todd Berman '07 said.

Lerman and Grossman also came through for the Judges, winning all four of their respective events, including two individual races and two relays apiece.

Lerman prevailed in the 100-yard breast for the second straight meet along with a time of 1:03.06 with a victory in the 200-yard breast Saturday in 2:20.68.

"[Grossman's] working hard and winning a lot; it helps show leadership," Berman said.

Grossman also placed first in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:06.66 and the 200-yard fly with a time of 2:06.66.

An unexpected contribution from diver Darren Nam '07 complemented the swimmers' success. Nam, in his first year with the team, placed second in the one-meter dive with a score of 93.95 points.

"[Nam's performance] was really exciting," Berman said. "He was never on the team [before this year] and had never dove before. [He] just started doing it!"

Although the women dropped their second straight dual meet of the season, they did show some progress against Keene State. After being led by rookie Hollis Viray '10 last week, the Judges rode the shoulders of another rookie, Rachel Sawicki '10, Saturday. Sawicki placed first in the 200-yard fly with a time of 2:18.59 seconds, and finished second in the 100-yard fly with a time of 1:02.27.

"The freshmen comprise half of our team right now," captain Jennifer Gordon '07 said.

"They are young and strong and have so much potential, so we know they can go out and win events like they have been doing."

In diving, Charlotte Rea '08 placed first in both the one-meter and three-meter events with times of 2:10.05 and 195.45, respectively.

Despite not emerging victorious, the women were pleased with their effort Saturday.

"It was a long day, but we pulled it together and had some really great swims," Gordon said.

Both teams host the Alumni meet Saturday at 3 p.m.