KINGSTON, RI – Siena Swimming & Diving (1-1) officially commenced its 2022-23 season by traveling to the University of Rhode Island for the first time in program history on Saturday. The Saints triumphed over Assumption by way of a 202-60 victory, while dropping a tight 149.5-107.5 decision to the host Rams at the Tootell Aquatic Center in Kingston, Rhode Island.
The Saints' first action of the season was highlighted by five event wins, including three from sophomore Kylie Carter. The Wailuku, Hawaii native claimed first place in the 200 free (1:56.90), 50 free (24.78), and the 100 free (53.77), while junior Audrey Shultz won the 200-individual medley (2:19.11). Additionally, Siena closed the meet with the team of sophomore Shaylea Triller, sophomore Maddie Buck, freshman Kaci Owens, and Carter taking first in the 400 free relay (3:38.87).
The relay group of freshman Brooke Pociask, freshman Tori Spacciapolli, junior Demi Bobarakis, and Owens took second place in the 200 medley relay (1:52.15) to open the meet, while senior Reilly King placed second in the 1000 free (11:11:03), Buck went for second in the 200 fly (2:14.53), Shultz took second in the 200 breast (2:28.71), Bobarakis claimed second in the 100 fly (1:01.44), and Spacciapolli finished second in the 200 IM (2:19.12).
Aside from Buck's 200 fly performance, several upperclass Saints took part in events for the first time in their collegiate careers. These included sophomore Francesca Coppola (2:22.18), King (2:23.17), and sophomore Olivia Martin (2:25.98) in the 200 IM, and Shultz (1:03.93) and junior Emily Sulik (1:05.72) in the 100 back.
The team's six freshmen made their collegiate debuts in the meet, with Grace Neno taking part in the 50 free, 100 free, and 1000 free, Owens taking part in the 50 and 100 free, Pociask swimming in the 100 and 200 back, Spacciapolli competing in the 200 IM, 100 breast, and 200 breast, Mya Reed swimming in the 50 and 100 free, and Jillian Walls taking part in the 500 and 1000 free individual events.
Siena will be back in the pool next weekend on the road, taking part in a tri-meet against the University of Rochester and MAAC foe Canisius at the ECC Burt Flickinger Pool – the site of the 2023 MAAC Championships – on Saturday, October 22 at 1 PM in Buffalo, New York.
