The Brandeis men's and women's swim teams put up a strong front against Division I competitor Boston College at home Wednesday, but fell 141-112 and 141-117, respectively. Brandeis then hosted the Michael Zarilli Memorial Meet Saturday, where both teams trumped Clark University and Gordon College. Brandeis scored 167 points at the meet, Clark collected 158 and Gordon had just 60.The highly competitive Boston College always proves a tough opponent for the Judges, but the teams managed to hold their own against the superior opponent.

"We had a pretty good meet," captain Todd Berman '07 said. "The competition was intense, but a lot of us had big races. I'm pleased with where we stand, and I'm excited to see what we can do in a season."

The Judges' rookies carried a lot of weight in the season-opening meet. The only member of the women's team to win more than one event was Hollis Viray '10, who won three. She swam a 1:12.27 in the 100-meter breast, a 2:09.72 in the 200 freestyle and a 2:21 in the 100 individual medley.

"I was nervous," Viray said. "It was my first swim meet, and I didn't know what to expect at a college level, so I just went out and tried my best. After my first event, I relaxed."

"Hollis swam really well," captain Ali Smizer '07 said. "She really impressed us."

The only other member of the women's team to place first was another rookie, Donna Kremer '10. She won the 50-meter free race with a time of 26.50 seconds.

James Liu '10, yet another rookie, had a strong showing on the men's side. He placed first in the 100-meter fly with a time of 56.32 seconds.

"I was really pysched," Liu said. "I was really happy with my results."

The Brandeis men swept the 100-meter fly. Liu came in first, but only .05 seconds behind him in second was Berman with a time of 56.37 seconds. Hal Grossman '07 placed third in 58.17 seconds.

Grossman also placed first in the 200-meter freestyle with a time of 1:53.28, and captain Matt Lerman '07 won the 100-meter breast in 1:03.14.

On Saturday the teams competed only in relay events, with teams mixed with members of the men's and women's teams. Swimmers competed in events such as kickboard relays and feet first relays.

Michael Zarrilli was a Brandeis swimmer who passed away during his collegiate career. The meet is held in his memory each season.

"[Michael Zarrilli] was a really fun meet," said Smizer. "It was more of a bonding event. Everyone was behind the lanes going nuts."

The only event Clark won was the feet first event, where one of its swimmers decided to swim a backwards freestyle, eliciting laughter from the pool deck.

While the swimmers had unusual events, the divers performed their normal routine. Charlotte Rea '08 had a particularly solid outing.

"The divers are a big part of the team," Smizer said. "In her junior year, Charlotte is definitely a leader on the diving team."

Both teams have lofty goals for the rest of the season.

"The men's team can win every dual meet," Berman said. "We don't want to lose any Division III meets at home."

"We really want to break some school relay records," Smizer said.

The Judges hit the water next Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. at Keene State University.

.