Final Scores:
Men: Tennessee 193, UNCW 107 | Women: Tennessee 205, UNCW 88
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Events wins from seniors
Sean Cannon and
Will Countie and junior
Gianmichael D'Alessandro highlighted UNCW outing in a season-opening sweep at the hands of Tennessee on Friday at the Seahawk Natatorium.
It was the season-opener for both programs, who met for a sixth time.
"Opening our season against a national powerhouse like Tennesseeis always a challenge," said UNCW Head Coach
Jason Memont. "The coaching staff spoke with the team before the meet about staying focused on details in their racing. We welcomed a large freshmen class to collegiate swimming today and the whole team did a great job executing our plan. There was so much energy on our side of the pool. I was really proud of the way everyone raced."
Countie delivered a Seahawk win in the 100 Backstroke with a time of 50.80 seconds. 1:54.06 in the 200 back. Cannon added a win in the 50 Free when he touched the wall in a time of 21.28. D'Alessandro, the reigning Colonial Athletic Association champion in the 100 Breast, won the event with a time 56.84.
Junior
Evan Arsenault posted a second-place finish for the UNCW women when she fashioned a time of 52.19 in the 100 Free.
Adding wins for the UNCW women were
Meagan Robins in the 100 Fly and
Hannah Albanese in the 200 IM.
Freshman
Courtney Klausen made an impact in her first meet as a Seahawk, setting a school freshman record in the 1-meter board. Klausen scored 271.13 points, besting the previous mark of 268.35, set in 1992 by Kelli Sutton.
"There were a lot of good swims today, but the high point came in diving. Courtney (Klausen) exploded onto the scene by setting a UNCW freshman record and qualifying for the NCAA Zone Championships. The whole program is excited about her results and is looking forward to seeing her career unfold."
In men's diving, another freshman made the most of his debut as
Kolbein Bjugan finished third on both 1 and 3-meter boards.
The Seahawks host Old Dominion in the second of two home meets to open the season on Oct. 12.
