ORONO – The Northeastern women and the Drexel men opened defense of their conference championships Friday by grabbing first-day leads in the America East Swimming and Diving Championships at Stanley Wallace Pool.

The NU Huskies didn’t win any of the first six events, but their depth carried them to a 220-point total, well in front of crosstown rival Boston University’s 158.

Delaware is third with 152 points followed by Towson 148, New Hampshire 143, Maine 128, Drexel 92, and Vermont 51.

The Huskies took third and fourth in the 500-yard freestyle and 200 individual medley.

The Dragon men turned in strong team performances in three events en route to a 269-point day, well ahead of runner-up Delaware’s 187.

Towson is third at 171 followed by BU 152, New Hampshire 112, Maine 89, and Vermont 62.

Competition continues today and Sunday.

The Dragons dominated the 1-meter diving, 50 free, and 200 IM. They picked up 65 points in the 50 free, 64 in diving, and 50 in the 200 IM.

The Maine women earned a pair of victories.

The Bears, with Krystal Fogler, Kate Muir, Kate Abbottt, and Katrine Alcaide, opened the meet with a win in the 200 freestyle relay in 1:36.64, more than a second ahead of runner-up Northeastern.

Alcaide and Fogler then finished 1-2 in the 50 free, with Alcaide winning in 23.86 and Fogler at 24.24. The two then led the Bears to third place in the 400 free relay.

The Maine men’s top finishes were fourth in the 50 free by Jamie Cunningham and fourth in the 200 free relay.