Tennessee swim and dive hosted the first-ever CSCAA Power Four Challenge, wrapping up on Sunday at the Allen Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center.
The Vols set up against Virginia, Michigan and Arizona State in the meet. The event is set to inaugurate a new form of competition for swimmers and divers, but instead of the normal invitational, it sports a new elimination format.
The Vols finished second, while Lady Vols came in third in the new dual-meet challenge.
The meet got started with a showdown against Michigan, where Vols Koby Bujak-Upton and Nikoli Blackman went first and second in the men’s 200-yard freestyle, both swimmers sporting lifetime bests in the event.
Senior Guilherme Caribé sported a strong 18.95 to win the 50-yard free, sophomore Pedro Sansone following close behind with a 19.05. Both swimmers aided in the Vol’s triumph against Michigan. The Vols beat Michigan 32-9.
Camille Spink hoisted a strong 46.67 in the 100-yard free, the junior also going a season best in the 50-yard freestyle, 21.25, a swim earning the SEC medalist an impressive NCAA cut. The Lady Vols kept the momentum going in the 100-yard backstroke. Where Regan Rathwell, Lexi Stephens and Jillian Crooks were all right on their personal bests. Emily Brown also finished strong with a personal best of 1:53.07 in the 200-yard butterfly. Brown emphasized her versatility by not only earning an NCAA Division I cut, but her time placed her No. 3 in Tennessee’s Top Ten for the event.
The Lady Vols held strong against the Wolverines despite their loss. The Lady Vols fell to Michigan, 23-17.
The next matchup was between Tennessee and Arizona State, where the Lady Vols vied for third, and the Vols fought for first.
Martin Espernberger put up a strong time of 1:41.43 in the men’s 200-yard butterfly, just off his lifetime best from last year’s home invite. Teammate Aidan Hill also posted 1:44.99 in the event, the freshman closing in on his previous time of 1:43.39.
The Vols also boasted a strong distance group with freshmen Bujak-Upton and Mac Clark, both swimmers showcasing their versatility in the 500-yard freestyle. The duo went first and fifth to beat their Arizona State counterparts. Ben Bricca then found himself a place in the record books. The sophomore placed second while going a lifetime best in the 200-yard backstroke. Bricca’s time secured him a No. 6 spot in Tennessee’s top 10. Sophomore Anthony Laurito also boasted a No. 9 time in the 200-yard individual medley. Both he and freshman Jake McCoy went personal bests in the event as the Vols lost 37-19.
But the Vols weren’t alone in this success, as the Lady Vols also celebrated a No. 10 time in the 200-yard medley relay. The team of Jillian Crooks, McKenzie Siroky, Emily Brown and Camille Spink posted a 1:37.12. Then, both Spink and Ella Jansen went first and second in the 200-yard free, both swimmers earning NCAA Division I qualifying times. Lexi Stephens also finished strong in the 100-yard back, just 0.10% off of the sophomore’s personal best.
World Championships qualifier McKenzie Siroky won the 100-yard breaststroke, her time just shy of her lifetime best. Fellow swimmers Simone Moll and Emelie Fast accompanied her to go 1-2-3 in the event. Brown also took home first place in the 200-yard individual medley. Brown not only earned an NCAA Qualification, but a new personal best.
Finally, the Lady Vols finished off with a 1:29.64 in the 200-yard freestyle relay, the women just off the threshold for a Top 10 finish in the event. The Lady Vols took the win over Arizona State, 29-25.
Overall, both the Vols and Lady Vols had impressive showings against their competitors. Their next event will be held on Dec. 11 at home, where they’ll be swimming against Kentucky.
