EMMITSBURG, Md. - The VMI swimming and diving teams split a season-opening dual meet with the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers Friday in Emmitsburg, Md. The VMI men's team defeated the Mount 107-98, while the Keydet women dropped a 120-72 decision.
The men's team was led by freshman Thomas Muldowney and sophomore Ryan Schmitz. Muldowney won both the 400 and 800 meter freestyle over teammate David Turbyfill, touching the wall in 4:25.28 and 9:04.89 respectively. Turbyfill finished less than four-tenths behind Muldowney in the shorter distance (4:25.64), and was at 9:09.91 in the 800.
Schmitz, meanwhile, won both the 50 free (24.68) and the 50 fly (27.53). He bested teammate Brady Gannon (24.92) in the 50 free, while Gannon was also second in the 100 free (55.33). John Kim was also a victor Friday, winning the 50 back in 27.91 and placing second in the 200 free (2:03.96).
On the women's side, Natalie Rivas won the 50 free in 28.63 seconds and Isabel French was scored as the winner in the 50 breast (37.48). Second-place finishes included French (100 IM, 1:15.29), Zoe Salafatinos (50 back, 34.08) and Morgan Davis (400 free, 4:54.92 and 800 free, 10:09.32).
"It was great to kick off our men's season with a victory," said VMI head coach Andrew Bretscher. "It was a battle in every event with the Mount, so we will rest tonight and hopefully repeat our success in the morning. On the women's side, we had some great swims and gained valuable experience. I look forward to seeing how our ladies swim tomorrow."
The Keydets will face Mount St. Mary's again Saturday in a second, separately scored dual at 11 a.m. in Emmitsburg, Md.
