H2Okies fall to the North Carolina Tar Heels

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Virginia Tech swimming and diving program fell to North Carolina Friday evening at the Koury Natatorium. The No. 9 Tar Heel men defeated the men, 173.5-126.5, and the H2Okie women fell to North Carolina, 175-120. Despite the defeat, Tech took 12 events, including six from each side and swept the diving portion.

The diving squad led the way bringing in 60 overall points. The men posted top-3 performances in both events. Three men and two women hit their NCAA Zone marks, including Kyle Butts (1-and 3-meter), Ryan Hawkins (1- and 3-meter), Logan Shinholser (1- and 3-meter) Kelli Stockton (1-meter), Kaylea Arnett (3-meter).

Stockton led the way for the women, tallying 13 points as she won the 1-meter and took second in the 3-meter. Shinholser came on top for the men, racking 12 points and placed first in the 3-meter and third in the 1-meter.

Senior Heather Savage was almost perfect as she brought in three titles out of the four events she competed in. Savage took the 100 backstroke with a time of 55.26 and the 50 freestyle with a time of 23.64. She also helped the 400 freestyle relay team to a first-place finish with a time of 3:26.30.

Keri Sink also recorded a first-place finish for the women. The senior swam a time of 2:07.14 in the 200 IM to bring in nine total points.

For the men, Zach McGinnis led the way taking the 100 backstroke with a time of 48.64 and helped the 200 medley relay team win the first event. Morgan Latimer and Gregory Mahon also tallied first-place finishes. Mahon won the 50 freestyle, while Latimer took the 200 butterfly.

11 freshmen competed for the H2Okies. Joe Bonk competed in his first conference event and led the way for the newcomers. He helped the men win their first event, swimming the last leg of the 200 medley relay and placed second in the 50 freestyle and third in the 100 freestyle.

The H2Okies will conclude the North Carolina road trip, stopping at Duke tomorrow to face the Blue Devils along with Florida State and UNC Wilmington. Start time is schedule 11 a.m.