RADFORD, Va. – Though the final event lifted Liberty over Radford, 116.5-114.5, the Highlanders cruised by North Carolina A&T in their swimming & diving season opener Friday evening at the Dedmon Center Natatorium.

Radford, which grabbed the overall lead with just two events remaining, fell behind early in 400-yd freestyle relay and never recovered as the Flames secured the final event and overall meet with a time of 3:44.80.

In addition to the Highlanders winning the diving portion, sophomore Emily Turner led Radford with a first-place finish in the 200-yd IM with a time of 2:15.29.

Freshmen Haley Schweitzer and Jessica Frazelle both made their collegiate debut by finishing second in the 100-yd butterfly (1:01.30) and 100-yd backstroke (1:01.60), respectively.

The Highlanders will return to the water Friday, Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. against Marshall in Huntington, W.Va.