Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University's swim and dive teams began their 2024-25 season with a successful tri-meet at the Venema Aquatic Center in Grand Rapids. Competing against Calvin University and Saginaw Valley State, the Lakers secured victories on both the men's and women's sides.

In the men's competition, Grand Valley achieved a decisive score of 213 to 85 against Calvin and 188.5 to 108.5 against Saginaw Valley. Senior Matt Bosch delivered standout performances, finishing first in the Men's 100 Yard Freestyle with a time of 43.79, breaking the pool record at Venema Aquatic Center. He also claimed first place in the 200 Yard Freestyle with a time of 1:37.22.

The GVSU men recorded six other first-place finishes, including triumphs in the Men's 200 Yard Relay by team members Matt Bosch, Carsyn Christoffel, Esteban Nunez Del Prado, and Evan Scotto Divetta with a time of 1:20.09. Carter Wood excelled in diving events, scoring a national qualifying mark of 307.35 in the 1 mtr Dive and securing first place with a score of 294.10 in the 3 mtr Dive.

Head diving coach Steve Burciaga commented on the team's performance: "This is our first meet of the year and this one is exciting because it kind of tells us where we are at with our practices. I was really excited to see them with their new dives."

On the women's side, GVSU outperformed Calvin with a score of 210 to their opponent's 88 and defeated Saginaw Valley by scoring 228 to their opponent's 69. Junior Sara Alvarez led her team by winning multiple events including the Women's 100 Yard Breaststroke (1:03.19), the Women's 200 Yard Breaststroke (2:18.20), and competing in the Women's 200 Yard IM (2:04.64).

The women's team also took first place in nine different events, including victory in the Women's 200 Yard Medley Relay featuring Sara Alvarez, Lucy Hedley, Vittoria Proietti, and Alysa Wager with a time of 1:43.79.

In diving events for women, Maddie Kooistra scored high marks with a score of 254.95 in the Women's 1 mtr Dive and took first place again in the Women's 3 mtr Dive scoring at 253.50.

Head coach Andy Boyce expressed satisfaction after both teams' performances: "Great first win of the season for both the mens and womens...I am excited to see what the next few weekends hold."

The Lakers are scheduled to compete next against the University of Indianapolis on October 19th.