Enjoying much the same success as its men's team counterpart, the Harvard women's swimming team thrashed Columbia Saturday at Blodgett Pool, 182-113.

Not dismayed by its upcoming three-day meet at the University of Pittsburgh Invitational, the Crimson opened its attempt to take the lvy League title in impressive fashion. Last year, the Crimson lost out to rival Princeton in the final meet.

Diedre Ryan was the big winner, claiming first place in the 200-meter backstroke and 200-meter freestyle events. Harvard also won both relays, the 400-meter medley and the 400-meter freestyle.

"It was a team effort from top to bottom," Co-Captain Jill Hutchison, the anchor of the 400 medley relay team, said. "We were psyched to come away with a victory, and we feel good about our chances this weekend."

The Crimson swam a lackluster first half, as they only held a 20-point advantage at 94-74 at the half. But Harvard managed to sweep the final seven events to win the meet going away.