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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. The Virginia men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams took early leads over Florida State and Penn State Friday on the first day of a two-day double dual meet at the Aquatic and Fitness Center. The men lead both the Seminoles 104-82 and Nittany Lions 129.5- 56.5. The women hold a 119-67 advantage over Florida State and lead Penn State 114-70.
The Cavalier women jumped out to a fast start with a win in the 200 free relay. The team of Lauren Smart, Kristen Wallace, Mei Christensen and Hanna Davis touched at 1:32.74 to earn first-place points.
In the 500 free, Jen Narum and Jenna Harris placed first and second, respectively. Narum finished in an NCAA B time of 4:47.40 while Harris finished in 4:49.84. Virginia also had a 1-2 showing in the 100 breast. Ellie Freeman won the race in a time of 1:02.61 while teammate Katherine McDonnell was second in 1:02.95.
Other event winners on Friday for the Orange and Blue were Christensen in the 200 back (1:56.42), Megan Evo in the 100 free (50.74) and Liz Shaw in the 200 fly (1:57.34). Christensen and Shaw’s winning times were both NCAA B qualifying marks.
“Mei Christensen was nothing short of unbelievable today,” Bernardino said. “Every single woman stepped up and swam wonderfully. I can’t say enough for how well the entire women’s team responded to the challenge that was placed before them. That was one of the best first days of a two-day meet we’ve ever had.”
The women’s 400 medley relay team of Christensen, Freeman, Shaw and Evo wrapped up a solid day for the Cavaliers, winning the event in 3:40.89, another NCAA B mark.
“The men showed signs of weakness at times in the meet that they shouldn’t so we’re going to work really hard to make sure that there are no mental let downs by any individual on the team,” Bernardino continued. “We’re going to work on our mental toughness.”
The Virginia men also got off to a solid start with a win in the 200 free relay. Lee Robertson, Scot Robison, Peter Geissinger and Tony Colella won the race in 1:22.17.
In the next event, the 200 IM, the Cavaliers went 1-2-3. Third-year John Azar led the way in 1:51.14. Teammates Pat Mellors (1:51.97) and Pat Reams (1:52.13) followed in second and third, respectively.
Robison went on to win the 100 free (44.26) and the Virginia men also ended on a good note, winning the 400 medley relay. David Wren, Ryan Hurley, Lee Robertson and Robison teamed up to win the race in 3:17.79.
The meet concludes at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Aquatic and Fitness Center.