Halloween began with a cruel trick for Colgate’s swimming and diving team, as the men were defeated by Lehigh University 195-105.

A treat came in the form of a hot start by first-year Dan Sweeney. Sweeney alone competed in three of the five first place finishes posted by Colgate. He was able to win the 50-yard free with a time of 21.76 seconds and the 100-yard free with a time of 47.77 seconds. He also swam with sophomore Costas Hadjipateras, first-year Nicholas Pawlush and junior Tucker Gniewek to win the 400-yard free relay with a time of 3:10.83.

 The two other wins of the day came from first-year Nick Burkus and a lone effort by Hadjipateras. Burkus was able to win the three-meter dive, after achieving a score of 226.19. Hadjipateras gained his victory in the 200-yard free as a result of his time of 1:44.02.

Accompanying the five first place finishes were five second place finishes by the Raiders.  These were achieved by Casey Powers in the 1000-yard free, Gniewek in the 100-yard backstroke and the 100-yard free, Burkus in one meter diving and Hadjipateras in the 100 yard fly.

Despite Saturday’s loss, the season looks promising for the team. They look to have a concentrated core of young talent that may lead to some surprise victories down the road. The next competition the Raiders see will be this weekend when they travel to Beantown to play both Boston College and Boston University.