Alabama's Aquatic Center witnessed a remarkable display of swimming prowess as the Crimson Tide dominated Georgia Tech in a home sweep, notching four new pool records in the process. The women's team emerged victorious with a score of 233, leaving Georgia Tech behind with 66 points. The men's team also secured a win, with Alabama amassing 205 points and Georgia Tech trailing with 93. This victory marks a significant achievement for Alabama, setting new records and showcasing the team's strength.
Women's Highlights:
Senior Emily Jones was the star of the show, breaking three pool records. She set a new 100 backstroke record with a time of 51.29, surpassing the previous mark held by Gemma Spofforth from Florida. Jones' performance was exceptional, and she didn't stop there. In the 400 medley relay, Jones, along with Jada Scott, Gaby Van Brunt, and Cadence Vincent, set a new pool record with a time of 3:29.67, beating the previous record held by Texas. The final record was set in the 200 free relay, where Jones, Charlotte Rosendale, Tessa Giele, and Vincent combined for a time of 1:27.53, breaking the previous team record.
Alabama's Mackenzie Brandt dominated the 1000 free, finishing in 9:41.85, over 15 seconds ahead of her teammate Stella Watts. Brandt's performance was a testament to her skill and determination. Rin Drudge swept the diving events, winning both the 1-meter and 3-meter competitions for Alabama. Giele also made her mark, qualifying for the NCAA with two individual times, finishing second in both the 50 free and 100 butterfly.
Men's Highlights:
The men's team also made their mark on the record books. The 400 medley relay quartet of Tommy Hagar, Noah Saylor, Sean Niewold, and Zarek Wilson set a new record with a time of 3:07.28, beating the previous record held by Florida. Niewold, making his collegiate debut, won the 50 free in 19.52 and finished third in the 100 free. Hagar, a junior, had a stellar performance, winning the 200 free and 200 back events.
The Crimson Tide's dominance continued with a 1-2-3 sweep in the 500 free, led by Leonardo Alcantara. Joao Pierre Campos and Gabriel Moura followed closely behind, showcasing the team's depth. Lance Thompson was unstoppable in the 400 IM, finishing five seconds ahead of Georgia Tech's Berk Erturk. The Alabama 200 free relay closed out the meet on a high note, with Niewold, Tim Korstanje, Drayden Bell, and Wilson combining for a winning time.
Georgia Tech's Tobin Uhl won the 200 breast, maintaining his undefeated record in the event. Max Fowler swept the diving events for Georgia Tech, winning both the 1-meter and 3-meter competitions. While Alabama secured the victory, the meet showcased the talent and determination of both teams, with several records broken and new stars emerging.
