Spartans Lead Pack After Day One of Shark Invitational

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Both the University of Tampa men's and women's swimming teams are in first place following day one of the second annual Shark Invitational. The meet is hosted by Nova Southeastern University at the NSU Aquatic Center.

In women's action, Tampa accumulated 342 points on the first day to take a lead over Nova Southeastern (275), Florida Southern (238), Rollins (98), Catawba (72), Lenoir-Rhyne (63) and Converse (5).

The Spartan men tallied 292.5 points, placing UT ahead of Nova Southeastern (262), Florida Southern (241.5), Catawba (136), Rollins (92) and Lenoir-Rhyne (69).

Tampa swimmers earned several B-cut qualifying times, with Norbert Kovacs swimming to an automatic NCAA bid after winning the 1,000 Free. Kovacs championed the event while finishing in a time of 9:13.38.

David Humphrey won the 50 Free for Tampa's men, becoming the first finisher in a time of 20.82. Humphrey's effort was good for an NCAA B showing.

A pair of Spartans won their respective races on the women's side, with Alex Hipolito (200 IM, 2:05.65) and Erin Plachy (50 Free, 23.84) both posting NCAA B times in first-place finishes.

The Shark Invitational will continue Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at the NSU Aquatic Center. Events scheduled include the 400-yard IM, the 100-yard butterfly and the 200-yard freestyle.

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