BRONXVILLE, N.Y. – The William Paterson men's swimming and diving team (3-0) opened up the 2023-24 season at the Sarah Lawrence Invitational, Oct. 21, finishing 3-0. The Pioneers defeated Western Connecticut State (2-1), 136-75, Sarah Lawrence (0-3), 160-37, and Bard (1-2), 150-40.
TOP PERFORMERS:
- Sophomore Nicky Byrd (Purchase, N.Y./Harrison) led the Pioneers with first-place finishes in the 50 back (29.34) and 100 back (1:02.78).
- Freshman Justin Melli (Erma, N.J./Lower Cape May Regional) posted his first WP victory in the 200 free (1:57.38).
- Senior Andrew Colligan (Andover, N.J./Sussex County Tech) was victorious in the 50 breast (32.84).
- Junior Ricardo Ordinola (Lodi, N.J./Passaic County Tech) finished first in the 50 free (25.33).
- The Pioneers secured first place in the 200 medley relay, thanks to Byrd, Colligan, junior Shane Apito (Lake Hiawatha, N.J./Parsippany) and Melli, finishing with a time of 1:54.33.
- WP placed first in the 200 free relay, with efforts by Ordinola, seniors Brandon Arias (North Haledon, N.J./Passaic County Tech) and Anthony Newman (Lake Hiawatha, N.J./Parsippany) and freshman Max Russell (Wharton, N.J./Jefferson Twp.). The Pioneers finished with a time 1:46.43.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Arias posted personal bests in 100 fly (1:06.27) and 50 fly (27.26).
- Ordinola beat his personal record in the 50 fly (27.97).
UP NEXT:
- William Paterson hosts Baruch on Friday, Oct. 27, for a 6:00 p.m. meet at Wightman Pool.
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