In men’s swimming and diving action Jan. 12, UCSD traveled to UC Irvine and dropped a tough match to the Anteaters 118-168.

“”I was actually very happy [with the team’s performance],”” said head coach Scott McGihon.

Freshman Devin Spicer led UCSD, winning both the 500- and 1000-yard freestyle events in 4:47.90 and 9:41.99, respectively.

Michael Baier picked up the Tritons’ only other victory of the day, grabbing first place in the 200-yard individual medley in 1:58.70.

The Tritons swam without the leadership of their top swimmer, junior Luke Seed, who is recovering from an injury.

“”He definitely would have changed the final score,”” McGihon said.

In UCSD’s first single men’s competition since the Speedo Cup in November 2001, the Tritons also lost several other swimmers due to academic ineligibility.

Diver Cory Ritzau also had a strong meet for UCSD, placing second in both the 1-meter and 3-meter diving competitions.

“”It was a good day,”” McGihon said.

UC Irvine was led by freshman Gonny Shimura, who pulled a hat trick with victories in the 100-yard backstroke, 200-yard backstroke and the 100-yard butterfly competitions. Teammate Brian Kim won two events for the Anteaters, taking both the 100- and 200-yard breaststroke titles.

The next meet for the Tritons is the UCLA Diving Invitational Jan. 17 to Jan. 19. After that they have three home meets in a row against UC Davis/La Verne, UC Santa Cruz, and University of San Diego.

However, McGihon sees the Pacific Collegiate Swim Conference Championships in February as a key chance for UCSD to qualify swimmers for the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Championships in Orlando, Fla.

“”Right now we have two guys [qualified],”” McGihon said. “”We’re looking to qualify more guys at the championships in February.””