Brenau Swimming Wins First Meet
Brenau University Swimming opened the season at home on Saturday to a packed natatorium, racing against Thomas University, King University and Milligan College. Brenau bested all three teams, scoring (78-15), (82-13) and (73-21), as well as winning ten of eleven events.
The meet began with a sweep in the 200 MR (1:51.07) which qualified Brenau for the NAIA Championships. Top swims were had by all, including newcomer Courtney Hayward (Townsville, AUS) who won both the 1000 Free (10:52.64) and the 500 Free (5:21.68). Sophomore Kathleen Rossi (Clearwater, FL) placed third in the 1000 Free (11:22.68).
Junior Shelby Rumker (Douglas, GA) followed the distance swimmers, capturing first in the 200 Free (2:02.68), and qualifying for the national championships. Team captain Michelle Billeaud (Lafayette, LA) and freshman Sophie Nasstrom (Sweden) stepped up in the 50 Free, placing 1st and 2nd with finishes of 25.13 and 25.94 respectively.
The 200 IM was dominated by the Golden Tigers with returning All-American MK Jabbia (Slidell, LA) placing first in 2:17.01, and freshman Bella Castille (Lafayette, LA) taking 3rd with a time of 2:23.75. Billeaud dominated the 100 Fly by five seconds with a time of 1:00.35, while Talia Sola (Madrid, Spain) had an outstanding performance in the 100 Back (58.60).
Hayward completed her strong showing in the distance events with a first place finish in the 500 Free (5:21.68), followed by Castille (5:31.38) placing third. Jabbia rounded out the individual events solidifying Brenau's speed in the 100 Breast (1:11.09).
Other top swims were had by Ali Watkins (Watkinsville, GA) in the 200 Free (2:11.75) and 100 Free (59.91), and Petra Hanrahan (Pinckney, MI) swimming the 1000 Free (12:11.24).
Brenau closed the afternoon with the 200 Free Relay of Rumker, Sola, Jabbia and Billeaud winning with a time of (1:43.43).
"What a great way to open the season with victories over two conference opponents and NAIA schools. Every girl on our team played a crucial role in our win today and everyone came with the right mental attitude and determination to swim fast, even under the heavy weight of current training," said head coach Blaire Bachman. "We have some early season speed that is exciting to see, but it does not stop us from continuing the train hard knowing what is ahead!"
The team returns to the pool on October 11th at the Converse College (SC) Women's Invitational in Spartanburg, SC.
To see the meet results click here