Saturday marked the beginning of the swimming and diving season for both the men’s and women’s teams. The men’s swimming and diving team began its season with a victory over the Virginia Military Institute, while the women’s team won against Campbell.

The women’s team was bolstered by multiple event victories from senior Jennifer Kopenitz, freshman Lauren Poore and sophomore Marifrances Henley on its way to a 168-79 win. In total, the women notched 11 event victories on their way to an overwhelming victory over the ladies from Campbell.

Kopenitz’s victories came in the 100-yard butterfly and the 200-yard freestyle. Poore took home the 50 freestyle and 200 backstroke. Henley claimed the top spot in the 100 breaststroke and 100 freestyle. Their teammates Kaitlin Mills, Jordan Paavola, Jessica Ward, and Kelsey Liu joined them in winning top honors.

Not to be upstaged by the women’s team, the men’s team notched 12 victories of its own and won in a similarly lopsided match over VMI by the score of 165-81. Sophomore Ivan Kopas was the only male to notch wins in multiple events, winning the 200-yard backstroke and the 100-yard backstroke.

The Wolfpack men spread the victories around against VMI, as eight different men, in addition to Kopas, took home first place finishes. Andrew Tollefson, Brandon Kingston, Dan Forsythe, Barrett Miesfeld, Joe Martin, Gaites Brown, Maxim Litvinov and Kohl Hurdle all managed to win events.

While swimming events composed most of the action Saturday, there was one diving competition. Wolfpack sophomore Hudson Rains scored a big victory in the competition, beating two VMI opponents to secure a win for the Wolfpack.

State not only benefitted from outstanding individual performances, but also from excellent team play. Both teams were able to win the 200-yard medley relay events, which went a long way in helping the Pack prevail in its season-opener.

All in all, the Wolfpack swimming and diving teams gave their season a rather auspicious start. The men’s team returned fifteen letter winners from last season, and the women brought back eighteen. Both teams have high expectations entering the season, and Saturday went a long way towards fulfilling those expectations. The Wolfpack will look to build on its first meet as it takes on Maryland and Davidson Friday and Saturday.