Spartans Cruise Past Darton in Home Finale
TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's and women's swimming teams easily defeated Darton College in the final home meet of the 2007-08 season for the Spartans. The 16th ranked UT men were victorious 155.5 to 106.5 while the #15 Spartan women won 149 to 75.
UT's women kicked off the meet with a victory in the 200 Medley Relay with the team of Ellie Eshleman, Kelsey Lubbers, Susanna Ashley and Susan Johnson winning in 1:54.53. That was followed up by a 200 Free victory by Kaitlin Scepanski (2:01.81).
Other Spartan women to win their respective races were Eshleman (100 Back, 59.58), Lubbers (100 Breast, 1:11.74; 200 Breast, 2:33.63), Ashley (200 Fly, 2:12.88; 100 Fly, 1:00.85), Skepanski (50 Free, 25.97), Jessie Bardin (1,000 Free, 10:50.79) and Jennifer Jenkins (200 Back, 2:13.86)
Tyler Furrer turned in Tampa first top place finish, winning the 200 Free in 1:46.47. Kyle Merritt then finished first in the 100 Back with a time of 53.25 as the All-American won by over two full seconds.
Other UT men to win were Chris O'Linger (200 Fly, 1:56.18), Furrer (500 Free, 4:46.79), Frank Kuchta (100 Free, 48.68), Merritt (200 Back, 1:57.04) and Hunter Lineback (1,000 Free, 9:57.67).
Tampa's men also picked up a victory in the 400 Free Relay. The team of Joshua Pickering, Mike Lewis, Patrick Murray and Chris O'Linger outswam its competition while finishing in 3:18.35.
The Spartans return to action on February 15-17 when it travels to Orlando for the Sunshine State Championships.