EASTON, Pa. - The Lafayette swimming and diving team opened its season Saturday afternoon at Weinstein Natatorium in a dual meet with Loyola Maryland. Loyola captured the women's action, 162-138, and won the men's competition 176-118. 

For the women, Lafayette took home first place in seven events. Senior Sydney Perks came up with the first win of the afternoon in the 1000-yard freestyle, finishing in a time of 11:04.87. Sophomore Maggie Ivie placed first in two events, winning the 100 backstroke (59.36) and the 200 backstroke (2:10.35). 

Sophomore Sophia Toomey and freshman Emma Luttrell placed first and second, respectively, in the 200-yard butterfly. Toomey finished with a time of 2:10.96 while and Luttrell clocked in just a second behind her at 2:11.74. Sophomore Shaylee Daniels was also impressive, managing wins in both the 3-meter diving (228.15) and 1-meter diving events (221.55).

On the men's side, sophomore Peter Kawash placed first in three events, claiming the 100-yard backstroke (51.95), 200-yard backstroke (1:56.19) and the 200-yard individual medley (1:56.36). Freshman Tommy Weber took home first-place honors in the 1000-yard freestyle with a time of 10:00.24. Senior Aaron Tupper also secured nine points for the Leopards after his win in the 100 freestyle (47.59). 

"Everyone competed really well for our first meet of the year," said Lafayette head coach James Dailey said. "They've been training hard and the first set of races always can go either way -- really good or really not good. Many of our races went very well."

The Leopards will continue their season Oct. 29 in a dual meet at Colgate at 1 p.m.