The New York University men's swimming & diving team, ranked #5 in the CSCAA Preseason Poll,  kicked off its season on Saturday with a victory against West Chester University of Pennsylvania. 

Hosting the Rams, ranked 19th in NCAA Division II, in the Palladium Natatorium for their first dual meet of the year, the Violets posted 173 points to West Chester's 125. 

The Violets won 10 events of the 14 events. The 200 medley relay A squad of Jaeden-Hans Yburan, Derek Maas, Pierce Downs, and Ajay Watanakun started the day off strong, winning in 1:31.43.

Yburan posted three individual victories to begin his season in dominant fashion. He won both backstroke events, hitting the wall in 50.46 in the 100 and 1:54.36 in the 200. He also claimed the 200 individual medley, touching in 1:53.56. 

"Jaeden had one hell of a meet," Head Coach Trevor Miele said. "He swam a really impressive lead-off leg in the 200 medley relay and then dominated the 100 and 200 back and 200 IM.  He's been working super hard in practice and I'm happy to see his effort pay off."

In his first meet representing NYU, Maas also won three individual events, clocking the 100 backstroke in 55.68, 46.36 in the 100 freestyle, and 49.26 in the 100 butterfly.

Also posting wins for the Violets were Downs in the 200 freestyle (1:42.69), Victor Derani in the 200 breaststroke (2:09.11) and Watanakun in the 50 freestyle (21.08).

"Today's win speaks volumes about the team's dedication and hard work," said Miele. "It was awesome to see that despite being tired, they still came out with the win." 

A pair of divers also competed for NYU, as William Hopkins won the three-meter with 228.98 points and finished fourth in the one-meter (210.08). Makai Harder took third place in both the three-meter (213.08) and one-meter (213.15).

The Violets will return to the pool on Saturday, October 28, to face Rowan University in the Palladium Natatorium.