Women's Swimming Opens Season on Friday

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville's women's swimming team opens the 2014-15 season on Friday when the Bulldogs participate in the All-North Carolina Invitational at the Greensboro Aquatics Center in Greensboro. The two day meet starts Friday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. and runs all day on Saturday.

Asheville is in its third year of having a swim program after re-instating the team three years ago. The Bulldogs have made a lot of progress in two years and finished with a 6-5 dual meet record last season. Elizabeth Lykins' club had a winning season in 2013-14 with just 11 swimmers. This season the Bulldogs have 19 swimmers competing.

"We are looking forward to opening the season at the All-North Carolina Invitational in Greensboro,” commented Lykins. “The team has been working hard and is excited to get up and race this weekend.

"This meet is a great format for new team members to become more comfortable with college racing and for everyone to gauge their progress.”

Asheville had one exhibition meet to prepare for the season as the Bulldogs battled Mars Hill at Justice Center Pool on Sept. 20. No score was kept but Asheville dominated as it won all 14 events.

The Bulldogs had six swimmers win two different events on the day. Galen Broido captured the 1000 and 500 freestyle. Alexandra van Dorsten won the 100 and 200 free style. Freshman Shannon Kennedy finished first in both the 50 and 100 breaststroke. Freshman Emily Wert took first in the 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly.

Freshman Stephanie Smith came in first in the 50 backstroke and 100 individual medley. Senior Ashley Ireland posted first-place finishes in the 50 freestyle and 50 butterfly.

The 200 medley relay team of Emily Werth, Carly Emerson and Ashley Ireland won the 200 medley relay.

Asheville's first home meet takes place on Saturday, Oct. 11 when the Blue & White host Campbell at Justice Center Pool starting at 10 a.m.