Gophers swimming capture fifth straight dual with win in Honolulu
After 35 days, the Maroon and Gold resumed competition Saturday in a dual with the University of Hawaii. The Golden Gophers did not miss a beat, winning 171-87 in Honolulu, touching the wall first in 13 of 14 swims.
The dual began with Minnesota capturing the top spot in the 200 yard medley relay (1:29.91). In the freestyle swim of the same distance, senior Kyler Van Swol took first place in a time of 1:38.39.
The visiting Gophers dominated several swims including four of the top five finishes in the 100 yard backstroke (Daryl Turner, 49.54), 1000 yard freestyle (CJ Smith, 9:15.68), 200 yard butterfly (Nick Orf, 1:50.78) and the top four finishes in the 200 yard backstroke (Carl Newenhouse, 1:50.28) and the 100 yard freestyle (Turner, 44.91).
The only hiccup came in the 100 yard breaststroke, however, Nick Hatanaka (57.37) and Spencer Mattox (59.36) finished second and third, respectively. Hantanaka redeemed himself with a win in the 200 yard breaststroke (2:05.29).
Next up for the Golden Gophers is a home dual against North Carolina State which starts on Jan. 24 and ends the following day. Admission is free and includes a T-shirt for the first 100 fans.