SALT LAKE CITY -- The BYU men's and women's swimming and diving teams opened the season with a sweep of in-state and Mountain West Conference rival University of Utah, Friday night.

The men's team won 10 of 13 events to beat the Ute squad 152-91. The victory extends the BYU men's dual meet winning streak to 17 straight victories, dating back to the 1999-2000 season. The women's squad won six of 13 events to win 124-117. The women's team have now defeated the University of Utah 13 straight times.

Junior Jeff Mason won the 200 free and was a part of both the 400-medley and 400-free relay teams that finished first. Junior Gary Tan also won three events. The Olympian from Singapore won the the 200 IM and was a part of both relay squads. Michael Mullen won the 100 free and was followed in second by younger brother Kurt. Brian Sorensen won the 50 free in an event which saw the first four spots go to BYU swimmers with times under 22 seconds a piece. Freshman Saul Stephens from New Zealand won the 200 back in his first ever collegiate meet. Randy Belliston won the 500 free.

On the women's side, junior Courtnee Adams, an All-American transfer from Auburn University, won the 200 Free and was a part of the first place 400-medley relay team in her first meet as a Cougar. Heidi Lietz won the 200 fly and was also a part of the 400-medley relay squad. Sophomore Tamber Covington won the 200 breast.

For the divers, junior Kelli Einfeldt won both the 1-meter and 3-meter events. All-American Aaron Russell won the 1-meter event, while All-American Justin Wilcock won the 3-meter event.

Both teams will host the first home meet of the season against UNLV, Friday at 6 p.m. in the Richard's Building pool.

PROVO, Utah (November 1, 2001) BYU's two-time defending MWC champion Men and Women's Swimming and Diving teams will open the 2001-2002 season at Utah on Friday at 6:00 p.m. The Men finished 12-0 in dual meets last season to capture their second MWC title. The Women finished 14-4 in dual meets to win their second MWC title.

The men's team is returning 11 swimmers from last year's squad. They are also returning 11 swimmers from LDS missions. Junior Gary Tan, an Olympian from Singapore, will lead the Cougars following a strong off season swimming in the Southeastern Asian games.

The women's team is returning most of it's swimmers from last season, losing only four to graduation. The strength of the team will definitely be the breaststroke event. Sophomore Tamber Covington, who qualified for the NCAA championships as a freshman, should lead the way for the Cougars.

Last year BYU swept both meets against the Utes.