BRONX, N.Y. – The Lehman College men's and women's swimming and diving programs both began the new season on Wednesday night, swimming at Maritime College. The Lehman women lost 105-43, while the men dropped a tough 136-101 decision.

For the women, junior Aytaissa Estime-Kirkpatrick (New York, N.Y./LS 3) won the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 6:56.43, while freshman Susana Perez (New York, N.Y./Community Health) captured the 200-free in 2:40.10.

On the men's side, Maritime's depth was difficult for Lehman to overcome. With the score close late in the meet, junior Ramon Peralta (Bronx, N.Y./Bronx Leadership) swam in back-to-back races, winning the 100-yard free (:49.65) before placing fourth in the 100-yard backstroke (1:01.29). Earlier, Peralta had won the 200-free in 1:52.68. His 100- and 200-free times were both personal bests.

Sophomore Abel Dupres (Bronx, N.Y./Clinton) won the 50-free (:22.37) and the 100-backstroke (:59.50), while freshman Anthony Preda (Long Island City, N.Y./Basha) won the 200-individual medley (2:09.88) and the 100-breaststroke (1:04.42). The duo teamed with sophomore Chris Polanco (Bronx, N.Y./Aviation) and freshman Jose Polanco (Woodside, N.Y./American Studies) to win the 200-medley relay, with a combined time of 1:44.19.

The Lightning return to action on Friday, November 16, facing Purchase College. The meet will be held at Purchase, with Lehman serving as the host.