Golden Tigers Swimming In 2nd After Day 1

On day 1 of the Women's Invitational hosted by Converse (SC) College, the Brenau University swim team found themselves to be trailing the host school by two points, but outpacing Guilford (NC) College, Sweet Briar (VA) College and Hollins (VA) College.

The Golden Tigers stole the show during Friday evenings session winning a total of seven of nine events raced. Relay members Talia Sola (Madrid, Spain), Mary Katherine Jabbia (Slidell, LA), Michelle Billeaud (Lafayette, LA) and Sophie Nasstrom (Sweden) kicked the night off with a first place finish in the 200 Medley Relay with a time of 1:51.67.

Next up, the 1650 Free was dominated by Brenau with Courtney Hayward (Townsville, AUS) leading the way in first (17:56.93), Bella Castille (Lafayette, LA) in second (18:58.02) and Kathleen Rossi (Clearwater, FL) in third (19:08.22). Sola claimed victory in the 200 Back (2:10.50), with Shelby Rumker (Douglas, GA) placing third (2:16.42).

MK Jabbia reached the wall first in the 200 Breaststroke (2:32.41), with Nasstrom followed with (2:39.59) and Alexandria Watkins (Watkinsville, GA) in seventh (2:51.26).

Billeaud continued the Golden Tiger's strong day, scoring first place points by swimming a quick 50 Free (25.06). Other standout swims included Rumker's 200 Free (2:02.21), Rossi in 200 Fly (2:26.12), and Hayward closing out the individual events winning the 400 IM (4:46.49).

The finale of the evening came down to the 400 Free Relay, where Brenau won by a margin of .01, out- touching Converse with a time of 3:44.79.

All teams will resume competition at the second session on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m.