Top-Ranked Mocs Edge Spartans
LAKELAND, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's and women's swimming teams opened the 2013-14 season on the road, falling by narrow margins against No. 1 Florida Southern College.
The meeting between Sunshine State Conference rivals and national powers lived up to its billing as both teams notched top national performances. In men's action FSC won 137.5-124.5 as the women's race had a 154-108 final score.
The Spartan men opened and concluded the meet with a relay victory, taking the 200 Medley Relay with Karl Burdis, Philip Nordenberg, Runar Borgen and Khalid Aldaboos (1:33.09). UT wrapped up the meet in the 200 Free Relay as Aldaboos, Borgen, Jordan Augier and Martin Hammer grabbed a first-place finish in a time of 1:23.56.
Tampa also claimed first-place in five individual races, including Burdis in the 100 Back (50.33), Nordenberg in the 100 Breast (59.95), Aldaboos in the 50 Free (21.06), Hammer in the 100 Free (46.66) and Danny Duhig in the 200 Breast (2:13.73).
In women's action, freshman Jesse North won the 200 Fly, registering a top time of 2:08.40. Catherine Parker also won the 100 Fly in 58.68.
The Spartans also picked up a first-place showing in the 200 Free Relay as the team of Erin Plachy, Marisa Barton, Emily Grams and Heather Glenday were out front with a time of 1:38.50.
Burdis and Aldaboos each notched national top-times in the 100 Back and 50 Free respectively. Each of UT's relay teams also garnered national top-10 showings in every race.
The event was also part of the "Pink Meet" as both teams raised funds for The Gina McReynolds Foundation, which was created in 2012 to aid families of breast cancer victims with financial support and financial counseling. Tampa raised over $700 for the foundation.
It also honors the memory of Gina McReynolds, a young wife and mother of three who passed away that same year after her own nearly 2-year battle with breast cancer. For Gina's full story, as well as more about the foundation in her name, please visit http://www.teamgina.org/.
Tampa returns to action on Friday, Nov. 1, in its home opener against SSC opponent Lynn University. The meet is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. A live video broadcast will be available through TampaSpartans.tv.
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