Staff report
The Alabama swimming and diving teams battled to the end against the Florida Gators Wednesday afternoon, coming up just short in both the men’s and women’s meets. The Crimson Tide men fell 158-140, while Alabama women lost 166-134. It was the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams.
The Tide started the day by sweeping the men’s and women’s 400 medley relays. Senior Bailey Scott, juniors Justine Macfarlane and Katie Kelsoe and freshman Flora Molnar combined for a time of 3:39.57 to win the opening women’s relay. Senior Luke Kaliszak, juniors Laurent Bams and Robert Howard along with sophomore Zane Waddell claimed victory for the men with a time of 3:09.90.
The Tide closed the meet the same way they started it, winning the men’s and women’s 200 freestyle relays. Seniors Temarie Tomley and Lindsay Morrow, Molnar and Scott claimed the victory for the women with a time of 1:31.85. Freshman Jack Blake, Waddell, Bams and Howard combined for a time of 1:18.88 to secure men’s win.
In between the relays, the Tide men tallied six individual wins while the women won five. Highlights include Molnar posting a 50.18 to become the ninth fastest 100 freestyler in UA history in just her second collegiate meet and Bams going 53.40 in his first collegiate 100 breaststroke to become the fourth fastest UA swimmer ever in that event.
Alabama returns to action Friday, Oct. 27, traveling to Auburn.
