Three major conference teams are kicking off the 2016 season in Lexington, Kentucky. The host Wildcats are joined by Virginia Tech and Louisiana State for a two day tri-meet.
The meet has been competitive on all sides, and goes into the second day with all the teams still in play for a victory. The following are the scores after day one:
Men:
VT-Kentucky: 75-75
Kentucky-LSU: 82-65
VT-LSU: 91-56
Women:
Kentucky-VT: 80-70
LSU-VT: 97-53
LSU-Kentucky: 86-54
Men’s highlights:
Virginia Tech was dominant on the boards, with a 1-2 finish by Benjamin Schiesl and Logan Stevens on the 1M board. Kentucky’s Seb Masterson prevented another sweep with his victory in the 3M, although the Hokies would claim the next three places.
Kentucky’s Andrew Aviotti dominated the field to win the 1650, while teammate Kyle Higgins was also well ahead in the 200 fly.
LSU scored victories in both the 200 back and 100 free. Thomas Smith took the backstroke while Alex Linge was the only man under 45 in the freestyle.
For Virgina Tech, Brandon Fiala was the standout in the 200 breaststroke. He also teamed up with Lucas Bureau, Ian Ho, and Norbert Szabo to win the 400 freestyle relay.
Women’s highlights:
Coming off a successful performance at the Georgia Diving Invite, LSU’s Cassie Weil comfortably out scored the competition on the 3M board. However she came in just fourth on the 1M, which was won by Kentucky’s Rebecca Hamperian.
Virginia Tech got the swimming started with a win from Jessica Hespeler in the 1650. Later on breaststroke stalwart Weronika Paluszek would take the 200 breaststroke.
Kentucky’s lone overall victory came with a 1:56 swim from Danielle Galyer in the 200 backstroke.
As indicated by the scores, LSU was clearly the best team on the women’s side. Leah Troskot led a 1-2 finish in the 100 freestyle. Kara Kopsco later won the 200 backstroke
The team of Troskot, Haylee Knight, Megan Cox and Danielle Stirrat won the 400 freestyle relay easily.
The meet will resume and finish Saturday at 9:00 Eastern.
Live results, Kentucky-Virginia Tech-Louisiana State trip meet.