The University of La Verne swimming team made its 2011-12 debut at the Bulldog Invite on Saturday at Redlands. The Leopards were up against NAIA opponents, California Baptist University and Concordia University, NCAA Division II opponent Grand Canyon University, as well as SCIAC opponents Pomona-Pitzer, University of Redlands, Whittier College, and Chapman University.
The Leos were highlighted by Marc Okimura, who finished 2nd in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 58.83 seconds, just one second off his season best from a year ago and only 1.02 seconds off the NCAA Division III National B qualifying time. He also went on the finish 11th in the 100 butterfly with a time of 54.39 seconds.
On the women's side, freshman Maddie Lovrensky led off the 200 medley relay backstroke recording a time of 28.56 seconds, which broke the existing record for the La Verne women's swim team. She went on to place 4th in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:01.33 seconds, breaking another women's record for the Leopards. Lovrensky swam a fast 50 freestyle (25.74) giving her a 6th place finish, and also came in 4th in the 200 backstroke (2:14.78), a personal best for Lovrensky.
Some other highlights of the day were Shelby Broyles who started the season with a very fast 500 freestyle (5:46.01) and Matt Johnson's split in the men's relay with a time of 22.26 seconds. Dennis Rickered came in 15th place in the 200 breaststroke and 17th in the 100 breaststroke to break into a scoring position.
La Verne swimmers will next compete in the Bulldog Pentathalon on Saturday, November 12th in Redlands.
