Orono, Maine -- The University of Maine men's swim team returned to the pool as it opened its 2021 spring slate on Sunday afternoon at Providence College. The Black Bears dropped their opening meet of the season, 165-92.

Maine enjoyed several stellar individual performances in the season opener, led by Andy Sprague's pair of victories. Sprague captured first place honors in the 50 SC meter freestyle at 24.12 before taking the gold in the 100 SC meter freestyle with a winning time of 53.31.

Kazu Temple found his way to the podium three times on Sunday with his top finish being a runner-up showing in the 200 SC meter IM at 2:23.02. Temple placed third in both the 100 SC meter breaststroke (1:07.92) and the 200 SC meter breaststroke (2:31.89).

Quintin Cheadle won the 400 SC meter backstroke with a time of 4:26.97 and was followed closely in the event by runner-up Kellen Doyle at 4:30.71. Doyle also added a third place showing in the 200 SC meter IM with a time of 2:23.51.

Hayden Kasavicha registered a runner-up finish in the 100 SC meter butterfly with at time of 1:01.74. Liam Blair placed third in the 200 SC meter backstroke at 2:14.94 while Nick Gould added a third place finish in the 100 SC meter butterfly, touching the wall at 1:02.82.

Maine scored a win in the 200 SC meter freestyle relay at 1:37.35. Swimming the event for the Black Bears was Sprague, Jacob Ketch, Blair, and Kevin Arpin. The team of Blair, Temple, Sprague, and Arpin took runner-up honors in the 200 SC meter medley relay at 1:48.63.

Maine returns to the pool on Sunday, March 14 at Norwich University at noon.

-UMaine-