Tampa Concludes Matchup With Pair Of Division I Opponents

FORT MYERS, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's and women's swimming teams competed against a pair of NCAA Division I opponents as it faced off against Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida Atlantic University in a Friday evening meet at FGCU.

Tampa's men won its first race, capturing the 200 Medley Relay from the team of Patrick Murray, Sherif Ibrahim, Paul LaPorta and Felipe Manzo in a time of 1:36.76.

UT then took each of the top three spots in the 200 Free as Chris O'Linger (1:44.92) took top honors as Tyler Furrer (1:46.40) and Frank Kuchta (1:46.43) followed O'Linger. The 200 Fly was won by Robert Felton (1:57.21) as fellow Spartans Daniel Hernandez (1:58.38) and LaPorta (1:58.69) rounded out the top three.

Manzo was the first to finish the 50 Free (21:18) while Blaine Bess conquered the 100 Free in a time of 47.60. Tampa also picked up another win in the 200 Free Relay from Andrew Johnson, Bess, Michael Verdi and Manzo (1:25.55).

The Spartan women had a top finish in the 200 Free Relay from Amy O'Brien, Ellie Eshleman, Allison Vetter and Stephanie Branham. The team finished ahead of competition with a time of 1:38.53.

Tampa returns to action on Saturday as it hosts Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) at 11 a.m. The meet will take place at the UT Swimming Complex on campus.

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