Sports reporters tend to excuse a team's losing record with write-offs like "this is no indication of their ability," or "they had a tough schedule," or most often "this is a building season."

In cases such as the Polish Olympic hockey team or the San Diego Padres, this explanation is as sound as a pledge from Richard Nixon. In other cases, such as the Radcliffe swim team's 86-45 loss to Boston College yesterday, the vindications are valid.

The team has now won only two of its five meets in comparison to ten previously undefeated seasons. The difference this year lies in a tougher schedule, including such highly rated teams as Yale and Dartmough and much-improved former competitors, like URI and BC.

Times Faster

In the BC loss, the overall times in each event were faster than in past years. Sophomore Laurie Downey spearheaded Radcliffe's effort as she splashed to victory in three individual events: the 50 yd. freestyle, 200 yard individual medley, and 500 freestyle.

Kathy Lindenthal also contributed a fine performance as she placed first in the three meter diving and second in the one meter event.

Many of the Radcliffe women took second spots in their races but were unable to triumph over their strong BC opponents. Kris Krendl was the runner-up in the 200 backstroke, Sue Sawyer placed second in the 50 fly, and Carol Moore picked up second in breaststroke.

More Seconds

Jane McNamara nabbed the number two position in an excellent race of the grueling 200 butterfly. Captain Maureen Murphy stroked to second spot finishes in both the 100 and 200 yard freestyle.

Coach Stephanie Johnson accepted the defeat as part of the team's indoctrination into the ranks of stiffer Eastern competition. "The team has performed well under the mounting pressure of tougher meets this year," she said.