TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Delta State University men's and women's swimming and diving programs hit the road Friday in a challenging dual meet against the University of Alabama at the Alabama Natatorium.
The
Statesmen posted 64 points behind a balanced effort from sprinters, distance swimmers, and divers. Junior
Michael Robinson led the way with a
third-place finish in the 100-yard freestyle (45.39) and anchored the
men's 200-yard freestyle relay to a runner-up finish in 1:25.09. Robinson teamed up with juniors
Ethan Baylin,
Sergio Rodriguez, and
Kostantin Ilijic to power Delta State's sprint squad.
Baylin added a podium finish in the
50-yard freestyle (20.84, 3rd) and later contributed to both the freestyle and medley relays, helping the
men's 200-yard medley relay to a strong
second-place showing in 1:33.47.
In distance events, senior
Mateus Franco (9:57.25) and sophomore
Adam Rickert (10:07.60) battled to third- and fourth-place finishes in the
1,000-yard freestyle, while junior
Austin Hufhines added valuable points with a
fourth-place swim in the 200 free (1:41.82) and a
third-place finish in the 500 free (4:56.54).
On the women's side, the
Lady Statesmen collected 39 points, led by sophomore
Zinna Nimander, who sprinted to a
third-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle (23.71) and helped guide Delta State's
200-yard freestyle relay to fifth place in 1:36.79 alongside
Ave Owens, Olivia Murphy, and Aspen Shipp.
Senior
Kaley Davis anchored the mid-distance group with a strong
fifth-place finish in the 200 free (1:57.74), while Murphy (57.51) and Shipp (1:01.52) chipped in crucial points in the
100-yard backstroke. Veteran
Pia Delkeskamp added a fifth-place effort in the
200-yard breaststroke (2:30.47).
Delta State also excelled on the boards, with
sophomore Jacob Bigler earning
third place in both the 1-meter (247.20) and 3-meter (238.58) diving events. Senior
Braden Moore (fourth in 3-meter, fifth in 1-meter) and senior
Ryan Whaley (fourth in 1-meter) rounded out a strong showing for the diving team.
FINAL TEAM SCORES:
- Men: Alabama 230, Delta State 64
- Women: Alabama 242, Delta State 39
Delta State will be back in the pool tomorrow morning as they will host Rhodes College in a dual meet at the Ronald G. Mayers Aquatics Center at 11:00 a.m.
