The men's and women's swimming and diving teams kicked off the new season in style as both recorded victories Saturday at UNC-Wilmington's Seahawk Natatorium.
The men, led by divers Nick Campisano and Eric Winnard, defeated the Seahawks by a score of 154-147. Swimmers Scott Champagne and David Hahn won the 200 meter individual medley and 100 meter backstroke events, respectively, and helped the Blue Devils to a morale-boosting win.
"UNC-W won their conference championship last year, so they are a very good team," said freshman Paul Zarian, who placed third in the 200 meter fly. "They had also beaten us last year, so it's nice to be able to make up for that loss and open the season with a win."
The meet was extremely close, and in particular, the swimmers between the two schools were very evenly matched. But Duke's divers were able to pick up some much-needed points as Campisano and Winnard finished first and second in each of the two diving events.
"Everything else was pretty even, but the divers put us over the top," Zarian said.
The women's team, on the other hand, took down UNC-W and Richmond handily in its double dual meet. Freshman Shannon Beall won the 100 and 200 meter butterfly events, and freshman Julie Brummond swept both diving events as the Blue Devils cruised past UNC-W, 164-117, and also defeated the Spiders, 165-135.
"We had a number of great performances, but the four individuals who swam the very first relay set the tone for the entire meet," head coach Dan Colella said. "Also, we brought in a large freshman class this year, and they contributed immediately."
The team next takes on Maryland and N.C. State at home Nov. 4th in an important ACC matchup.
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