Cavaliers Claim 800 Free Relay on Opening Night of ACCs

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Virginia men’s swimming team opened the 2010 Atlantic Coast Conference with a win in the 800 free relay Wednesday at Koury Natatorium. The meet runs through Saturday in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Through two events, the Cavaliers stand in second place with 73 points.

“We are off to about the start we had anticipated,” Virginia head coach Mark Bernardino said. “We just have to keep going forward.”

In the second and final relay of the night. John Azar, Taylor Smith, Scot Robison and Matt McLean teamed up to earn an NCAA ‘A’ cut and win the 800 free relay. They touched in 6:19.23, a full five seconds faster than second-place UNC (6:25.89).

“I feel good that we finished strong,” Bernardino said. “We have four outstanding athletes now going to the NCAA Championships and they are all versatile. Scot Robison’s third leg was picture perfect. It was a great swim and we needed it there.”

In the 200 medley relay, the first event of the championships, Virginia tied for second with Florida State. Eric Olesen, Tom Casey, Peter Geissinger and Azar clocked an NCAA ‘B’ time of 1:37.63 for the Orange and Blue.

“I was very impressed with Eric Olesen’s swim in the leadoff leg,” Bernardino said. “It was a beautiful swim and he looked terrific. Coming in we were hoping for a second or third in that relay.”

The second day of the men’s swimming championships continues Thursday with the 500 free, 200 IM, 50 free and 200 free relay. Prelims are slated for 11 a.m. with finals at 7 p.m. on ACC Select.

“We leave here tonight with the confidence and motivation of an ‘A’ cut,” Bernardino said. Now we have to come in tomorrow and have a great morning.”

2010 Men’s ACC Championships
Through Event 2