Hokie ClubPITTSBURGH – The Virginia Tech swimming and diving team turned in a strong performance to kick off ACC action as the women topped host Pitt while the No. 9 men defeated the Panthers and Notre Dame to improve to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in league play.
The H2Okie women (4-2, 1-2 ACC) knocked off the Panthers, 231.5-121.5, while the men defeated the Panthers, 261-92, and Notre Dame, 203-150.
"The guys came out fighting today and we were really pleased with the women's effort,” said head coach Ned Skinner. “Overall we are happy with where we are for this point of training and the season. We look to accelerate into the H2Okie Fall Invite with this momentum."
PERFORMANCES OF THE DAY
The H2Okie divers performed at a high-level all weekend with sophomore Ashlynn Peters and junior Ben Schiesl leading the charge. After placing second in the one meter yesterday, Schiesl earned key points in the three meter with a 344.0 to place second. Peters, following a first-place score in the women’s three meter, nearly took first in the one meter with a score of 277.45.
Junior Ashley Buchter, junior Thomas Shinholser and junior Mauro Castro-Silva were also rock-solid for Tech all weekend.
“I was happy with Ashlynn and Ashley being able to come up with some strong points for the women,” head diving coach Ron Piemonte said. “Ben, Thomas, and Mauro were also very consistent in both events to contribute to the men's cause.”
Senior Klaudia Nazieblo had another fantastic day as she placed first in both of her individual events. She barely edged out fellow H2Okie Fiona Donnelly in the 200 IM with a time of 2:02.00 and later registered a time of 1:58.46 in the 200 fly.
After taking first in the 100 breast yesterday, senior Brandon Fiala continued to impress by posting the top times in the 200 IM and 200 breast on Saturday. Fiala also swam the second leg of Tech’s first place A unit in the 200 medley relay.
NOTABLE SWIMS
- Senior Jessica Hespeler pulled away in the latter laps of the 500 free to finish with a first place time of 4:53.46.
- Sophomore Ian Ho finished out the H2Okies first place performance in the 200 medley relay and set a personal best in the 50 free with a 19.99, his first career time under 20 seconds in the event.
- Sophomore Norbert Szabo took first in both of his individual events on Saturday with a time of 1:46.56 in the 200 fly and a 1:38.31 in the 200 free.
The H2Okies will be back in action on Nov. 17 for the first day of the H2Okie Fall Invitational at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center.