Swimming Starts Strong At SCAD Invitational

SAVANNAH, Ga.-The 10th Annual SCAD Invitational started with a big splash for the Brenau swim team as the Golden Tigers started strong in two early events on Thursday.

In the 1650 freestyle, reigning 2014 NAIA National Champion Courtney Hayward opened the event in dominating fashion as the sophomore cruised to a win in 17:02.79.

Ella Kleinschmidt and Kathleen Rossi also both raced to season best times in the 1650 freestyle and punched their tickets to nationals as they hit the wall in 18:04.36 and 18:34.39 respectively.

In the last event of day one, the team of Kleinschmidt, Michelle Billeaud, Mary Katherine Jabbia and Heyward finished with a solid fifth place finish the 800 Free A Relay in 7:55.05. The leadoff legs for the "B" and "C" relays, Madison Kosater and Maria Solin Morell, each achieved personal best times and "A" Cuts with 2:02.58 and 2:01.38 respectively.

The Golden Tigers currently sit in third place with 172 points. Host SCAD-Savannah (Ga.) leads with 212 points, while Wingate (S.C.) University sits close behind with 212 points.

Competition will resume at 9am on Friday.