December 21, 2014
Tampa Finishes Strong to Win Team Titles at Shark Invitational
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's and women's swimming teams capped an impressive four-day showing with both team titles at the fifth annual Shark Invitational, which was hosted by Nova Southeastern University.
Tampa's women won with 1,651.5 points, finishing ahead of Florida Southern (1,322.5), Nova Southeastern (1,321.5), Lynn (511), Rollins (440.5) and Lenoir-Rhyne (211).
The Spartan men led all teams as they compiled 1,875 total points. Trailing UT were Nova Southeastern (1,535.5), Florida Southern (1,304), Rollins (381.5) and Lenoir-Rhyne (270).
On the women's side, UT had top-three performances from Brittany Bayes in the 1,650 Free (second, NCAA B, 17:02.26), Marisa Barton in the 100 Free (third, NCAA B, 51.52) and Allison Chandler in the 200 Back (third, NCAA B, 2:02.83).
UT's women's 400 Free Relay team also finished second with an NCAA A qualifying time. The team of Barton, Briana Murphy, Erin Plachy and Amanda Fernandes were timed at 3:26.75.
The men had top-three efforts from Tommy Reminger in the 1,650 Free (third, NCAA B, 15:56.27), Khalid Aldaboos in the 100 Free (second, NCAA B, 44.27) and Clayton Clemens in the 200 Breast (second, 2:03.67).
Tampa also won the 400 Free Relay with an NCAA A timing. The group of Aldaboos, Jordan Augier, Martin Hammer and Jeremy Parker were the first to the finish line at 2:57.62.
In addition to winning a pair of team titles over top Sunshine State Conference and national opponents, UT accomplished several national qualifying times for the 2015 NCAA Championships.
The Spartans return to action following the New Year on Saturday, January 3, at the UT Relay Carnival at the Aquatics Center. The meet is scheduled for 11 a.m. UT will offer a live broadcast of the event.