Leopard swimming squad debuts at Redlands Inv.

Leopard swimming squad debuts at Redlands Inv.

REDLANDS- The University of La Verne swimming team made its season debut Saturday at the Redlands Invitational. 

A trio of swimmers led the way for the Leopards. Junior captain and retuning all-American Maddie Lovrensky led off the women's 200 medley relay to a fourth place finish before taking fourth in the 200 individual medley in two minutes, 16.2 seconds, just off the varsity record set in 2000 (2:15.35). She also placed seventh in the 200 freestyle (2:04.12) and the 100 freestyle (56.55). Senior Coleman Goode led the men by taking fifth in the 200 individual medley (2:03.83), sixth in the 100 breaststroke (1:03.19), and seventh in the 200 backstroke (2:05.89) 

Junior transfer Melissa Pryor led the Leopards newcomers, finishing fourth in the 200 freestyle (2:03.44), sixth in the 500 freestyle (5:35.38) and eighth in the 200 individual medley (2:26.10). Freshman Zeph Handley jumped in with a sixth-place finish in the 500 freestyle (5:02.33) and the 200 breaststroke (2:24.38), and placed 10th in the 200 freestyle (1:51.02). Freshman Harry Bennett was fourth in the 200 breaststroke (2:20.28) and fifth in the 100 breaststroke (1:03.93). Freshman Krislyn Cha placed sixth in the 200 breaststroke (2:42.30), 10th in the 100 breaststroke (1:14.26), and 11th in the 200 freestyle (2:07.77)

Freshman sprinter Daniel Carpenter finished fifth in the 100 freestyle (49.65) and swam strong legs on the 200 medley relay and the 200 freestyle relay. Junior Devon Photias finished seventh in the 50 freestyle (22.72), 10th in the 100 butterfly (56.18) and anchored the men's sixth-place 200 freestyle relay. Junior transfer Melanie Consiglio finished sixth in the 50 freestyle (26.01) and anchored the fourth place 200 medley relay for the women's squad. 

Coach Pat Skehan also cited a number of athletes for their performances, including senior Sammi Shiomoto, sophomore Felipe Avendano Vela, junior Jarret Peterson, junior Mike Rashed, and freshman Jessie Watkins. 

"In a field filled with scholarship swimmers we stood up well and competed effectively," said Skehan. "I can not wait to race more."

The Leopards kick off their home season Saturday, Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. against Concordia (Calif.)