CLEVELAND, Miss. -- The Delta State women's swimming and diving team was defeated by Southeastern Conference foe Alabama in its season opener Friday at the DSU Aquatics Center.  The Lady Statesmen had 6 top-three finishes against the Tide, including a victory in the 100-Backstroke by Lucia Martelli. 

Off The Starting Blocks:

• Opponent: Alabama
• Date/Time: Sept. 15, 2017 | 1 p.m.
• Location: Delta State Aquatics Center
• Score: Alabama 235  | Delta State 65
• Short Story: Delta State had six top-three finishes against Alabama, including one victory.
• Get Social: @DeltaStateSWD

How it Happened:

• Freshman Lucia Martelli had an impressive Delta State debut, winning the 100-yard backstroke in 56.66 and achieving the NCAA-B qualifying standard.  The Italian native followed up with a third-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly in 55.66, the fourth fastest time in Lady Statesmen history.
• Senior Hailey Leonard had a pair of third-place finishes in the 1-meter and 3-meter events.
• Caroline Jouisse led the way for Delta State in the distance events, as she was second in the 1000-yard freestyle.

Notables:

• This year marks the fifth consecutive time Delta State has faced Alabama to start the season.
• Nine Lady Statesmen made their debut in the meet.

A Look Ahead:

• The Lady Statesmen return to action Friday, September 29, when they host Rhodes College at the DSU Aquatics Center.  The meet is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. CT.