ITHACA, N.Y. - The Bard men's swimming team got off to a great start on the first day of the Liberty League Championships hosted by Ithaca College.

Paul de Tournemire and Tristan Timpone each dropped almost two seconds off their personal bests in the 50-free, but the Raptors endured a rollercoaster when Tom Gadron was disqualified on a technicality in the 200-IM after having taken more than 10 seconds off his personal best. 

"The most frustrating part of Tom's disqualification is that the infringement actually slowed his time," said Bard coach John Weitz. "It was a great swim."

The team bounced back by earning 9th place in the 200-medley relay, taking more than eight seconds off their season's best. Gadron, Timpone, de Tournemire and Freddy Coronel all swam their best times of the year to post the result.

The Liberty League Championship meet continues through Saturday at Ithaca.