Season record: 5-1, 3-0 CAA
Hokie Invite: 3rd
A historic start cooled as William and Mary closed out its fall slate. The men’s program defeated North-Carolina Wilmington for the first time since 1998 and enjoyed its best start since the 1970s before placing third at the Hokie Fall Invitational.
After topping Mary Washington 205-56 at home, the College took to the road to down Towson 162-122 and Georgetown 198-64. With the win over Towson, the Tribe entered the Colonial Athletic Association Pod Meet with one conference win.
UNC-W and Delaware couldn’t slow the College, as the Tribe swept the Pod Meet to keep the perfect season alive. Duke, however, proved to be too much for the Tribe as the Blue Devils overcame the College 144-118 Nov. 9 for the Tribe’s first loss of the season.
Sitting at the bottom through the first two days, the College posted 624 points to finish third in the Hokie Fall Invitational. No. 16 Virginia Tech won the meet over 2nd place South Carolina, and Connecticut finished behind the Tribe in 4th.
Sophomore Billy Russell swam the first leg of the 400 free relay in 44 seconds and 98 milliseconds Nov. 23, setting a new program record. Senior Andrew Strait, sophomore William Manion, junior Taegan Clarke and Russell have all posted multi-win performances, and look to led the College in the spring season.
The Tribe will host Davidson Jan. 11 to open the new year.