Brenau Dominates North Carolina Tour

The Brenau University swim team was on the road this weekend, traveling through North Carolina. On Friday, the Golden Tigers competed at Pfeiffer University's tri-meet, and then participated in Catawba College's Boo Bash Relays on Saturday.

The universities attending Friday's tri-meet included Pfeiffer, Brenau, and Queens University of Charlotte. The scores of the meet resulted in Queens 76, Brenau 58, Pfeiffer 53.

Throughout the meet, the Golden Tigers stood out in several events. Meredith Barrington (Macon, GA) automatically qualified for the NAIA nationals in the 100 fly (1:01.92), while Lisa Portwood (Marietta, GA) finished 2nd in the 500 Free (5:35.85). Hannah Boudreaux (Lafayette, LA) lapped her competitors in the 200 IM (2:13.67) and the 100 breast (1:10.23). In addition, Michelle Billeaud (Lafayette, LA) finished 1st in the 100 free (54.52), nearly setting another Brenau record, but missed by a margin of .01. In the relay event, Brenau finished 2nd in the 200 medley (1:55.72), with Meredith Barrington, Julia Ferreira, Hannah Boudreaux, and Michelle Billeaud competing.

"This was a far improvement from last year's tri-meet with Pfeiffer. It is exciting to watch as our swimmers notice how their hard work and dedication has truly been paying off," commented Head Coach Blaire Bachman.

The next day, at Catawba's Relays Event, Brenau swam against Limestone College, Catawba, Lenior Rhyne College, and Pfeiffer once more. The teams finished in the following order: Limestone 116, Catawba 96, Brenau 76, Lenior Rhyne 64, and Pfeiffer 54.

The Golden Tigers continued to overwhelm the competition in the relays, with Brenau finishing 1st in the 800 free relay (8:14.90), 2nd in the 200 free relay (1:47.84), and 2nd in the 400 free relay (3:48.32). Highlighted splits from the day included Michelle Billeaud in the 100 back (1:01.8), Meredith Barrington in the 50 free (26.8) and 100 free (56.8), along with Lisa Portwood in the 500 free (5:37). Hannah Boudreaux showed competitiveness, coming from behind on the 300 fly relay, splitting (59).

Coach Bachman concluded by saying, "Our results and performances this weekend are right where we should be, our swimmers are working extremely hard and are beginning to feel it. We had some qualifying cuts made and many season best times achieved; our ability to improve at each meet is fantastic."

The Golden Tigers will be back on the prowl Friday, November 4th, as they compete in the Sewannee Invitational at University of South.