The Lafayette swimmers couldn’t kick off their 2013-14 campaign the way they would’ve liked, flopping in their Baltimore-based season opener last weekend against Drexel, Seton Hall and Loyola Maryland.

The Lafayette women lost to each team 212-88, 194-104 and 232-68 respectively. The men were defeated by Drexel (208-90) and Seton Hall (179-117) but tied Loyola Maryland.

The Greyhounds officially joined the Patriot League on July 1 along with Boston University.

“We graduated many talented members of the women’s team last spring, but we are optimistic about the 2013-2014 season,” senior captain Abby Floyd-Jones said. “We are relying on the leadership from returning members of the team as well as the upside potential of new members.”

Megan Kaveney ‘15 and Jackie Andrews ‘16 each finished in the top three in their respective individual events. Kaveny placed third in the 50-yard freestyle (24.58) while Andrews earned second place in the 200-yard butterfly (2:13.18) and third in the 100-yard butterfly (59.62).

Greg Grewal ‘15 led the men with top three finishes in four events.

“Greg took his amazing championship meet from last year and has been working hard to challenge for one of the top breaststrokers in the league,” senior captain Josh Hitchings said. “He is using his experience from last season to get better technically and execute better race strategies.”

That experience and improved race strategy resulted in a first place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke (57.87) and third place finishes in the 200-yard breaststroke (2:11.14) and 200-individual medley (2:01.65) Grewal additionally swam the second leg of the men’s 200-yard medley relay.

Lafayette returns to action on Nov. 9 against Bucknell, Navy and American in Lewisburg, Pa. at the Kinney Natatorium.

“Bucknell has a really great facility where members of our team have historically swam well,” Floyd-Jones said. “We are looking to improve upon our times from Loyola and continue training hard in preparation for a solid, successful season.”