Sun Devils host UNLV for second home meet

(Photo via Xavier Litman/WCSN)

This Friday, Arizona State swim and dive makes its return to Mona Plummer Aquatic Center to compete against UNLV.

The Sun Devils competed in their opening meets on September 22 and 23 against Georgia. The men’s team continued its winning ways, routing Georgia 89.5-49.5 on the first day and 183-117 on the second.

Freshman Ilya Kharun broke the ASU school record in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 44.88 seconds in the second meet. He was also a part of the medley, which junior Lèon Marchand, sophomore Hubert Kós, and junior Parirck Sammon headlined as well. They gave the Sun Devils an early boost, winning the opening race with a time of 3:34.37. Marchand had himself a meet winning the 200m IM and the 150m Breaststroke.

For the women’s side, Friday’s meet against the Rebels is a chance to bounce back. Against Georgia, the Sun Devils lost on both days by scores of 87-48 and 184-111. Lindsay Looney was one of few bright spots, as she took first in the 150m fly.

Friday’s meet will be the season opener for both UNLV’s men’s and women’s teams. The Rebels had some success last season with the men’s 200 free relay making an appearance at the 2023 NCAA Championships. That relay included junior Bryson Huey, senior George Ratiu, and graduate swimmer Steven Butler, all of whom are returning for the Rebels this season.

Senior McKay Mickelson and Huey are no slouches themselves, both having earned U.S. Olympic Trial cuts to add to the offseason success for the Rebels.

For the women’s team, senior Blanka Bokros swam the 200 fly and 100 fly at this past season’s NCAA Championships. She set a Mountain West Conference and UNLV school record in the 200 fly last season.

Friday, UNLV will be looking to open both of its seasons with strong showings. The Sun Devils are hoping that their expertise in the pool will prevail and allow the men’s team to stay undefeated and allow the women’s team to pick up their first win of the season.