Pitt
Duke
Swimming and Diving Downed by Duke in Season Opener
10/3/2015 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
DURHAM, N.C. – The Pitt men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams both fell as they squared off with Duke on Saturday at the Taishoff Aquatics Pavillion to open the 2015-16 season.
“Today’s meet was a very tough one for us,” said head coach Chuck Knoles. “Duke was very sharp and ready to race today. They set many pool and school records during the dual meet which is very unusual at this time of year. We have a lot of work to do to get our kids ready for the next competition.”
The men’s team came up short with a final tally of 193-101, while the women finished with a score of 178-115. The Panthers opened the 2014-15 season against Duke as well – a meeting that saw Pitt’s men claim a 170-128 victory as the women were edged, 166-138.
Despite the final result, there were a number of strong performances for the Panthers, who took first in four events.
Junior Kinga Cichowska turned in perhaps the strongest day for the Panthers, winning the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:03.25 and the 200 breast in 2:18.12.
In the women’s 1000-yard freestyle, sophomore Amanda Richey (10:05.35) and senior Kaleigh Ritter (10:13.13) finished first and second, respectively. Richey went on to claim the win in the 500 free as well, clocking in at 4:56.51.
Senior David Sweeney won the men’s 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:41.89.
Junior diver Dom Giordano took first in the men’s 3m diving competition (396.53) and second in the 1m (360.98).
“We look forward to regrouping and preparing for the next dual meet,’ said Knoles.
Pitt will next host its annual Alumni Meet on Friday, Oct. 9, at Trees Pool. The event is set to begin at 2:30 p.m.
