NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara women's swimming and diving team (1-4) had several strong performances, including a record-breaking diving display by freshman Ashley Jones (Lockport, N.Y.), but it wasn't enough as they lost to visiting Siena 134-97.

Jones, an education major, introduced some new dives into her routine and it paid major dividends in breaking the 21-year-old women's one meter diving record, with a score of 247.05. The western New York natives mark bettered Lori Mead's total of 245.45 from 1988.

"She dove really well today," diving coach Brooke Nigro said. "She has come along way since Christmas and as of late has introduced some new dives into her repertoire. It was exciting to see her break the record today."

The Purps were led by strong efforts from junior Dana Vernal (Milford, Conn.) in the 1000 yard freestyle event where she placed second with a time of 11:05.37 along with teammate junior Ashley Clingersmith (Niagara Falls, N.Y.) finishing second in the 200 and 100 yard freestyle events.

"After an emotional comeback victory against Canisius, I think we put up some nice performances against Siena," head coach Ben Nigro said.  

Both the men's and women's swimming and diving teams will be back in action on Friday, Jan. 23 against Buffalo. The meet at Buffalo will be broadcasted on a tape-delay by LCTV.