LORETTO, Pa. (Jan. 9, 2009) -  Coming off a long road trip and facing a talent-laden opponent, the Red Flash women's swimming team dropped a 113-80 decision to the Akron Zips in a non-conference dual meet on Saturday.  The Zips, taking advantage of some Red Flash fatigue, swept first place in every event of the day.

"We figured it was going to be a tough week for our women to bounce back," said Red Flash head coach Pat Gallagher.  "Coming off a long trip like we did, it threw off the training schedule and made things pretty difficult."

Gallagher, however, did not wish to deflect praise from the dominant effort of the Zips.

"That's a very talented group," said Gallagher.  "They showed themselves to be an excellent team, and their depth is going to be tough for any opponent to handle."

The Zips began imposing their will early on, taking at least first and second place in three of the first four events.  The Flash tried to close the gap when Jessica Dunn (Bristow, Va./Seton School) (Bristow, Va./Seton School) took second in the 200 IM (2:14.13) and three-time Northeast Conference Swimmer-of-the-Week Hanna Yttring (Gothenburg, Sweden/Katrinelundsgymnasiet) (Gothenburg, Sweden/Katrinelundsgymnasiet) did likewise in the 200 Butterfly (2:13.37).  Dunn would also take second in the 200 Backstroke (2:12.08).

However, the Zips swept the top two spots in the 100 Freestyle to make the lead too great for the Red Flash to overcome.

Also taking second place on Saturday was Melissa Heintz (Boyertown, Pa./Oley Valley) (Boyertown, Pa./Oley Valley), who finished the 500 Freestyle in 5:20.12, and the 400 Medley Relay, who finished in 4:03.60.

The Red Flash will host their final home meet of the 2009-10 season when the Youngstown Penguins come to the Stokes Pool on Saturday, January 16.  The meet is scheduled for 1 p.m.