Jan. 26, 2008

BROOKLYN, NY - NJIT senior Hayk Ekshian led the way for the Highlanders picking up two individual wins and a season-best time in the 50-free as visiting NJIT edged St. Francis (NY), 94-90, recording its first win of the season Saturday afternoon.

Hayk recorded a first-place finish and season-best time in the 50-free with a time of 22.58 and the 100-butterfly 55.63.

Captain Mike Lawson and Michael Finley both clocked season-best times as they won their respected events. Lawson picked up two first-place finishes in the 100-breast stroke (1:07.28) and 200-IM (2:17.11). Finley recorded nine more points for the Highlanders adding a first-place finish in the 100-backstroke (1:04.72).

Also contributing to the Highlanders victory was junior James Paccioretti, placing second in the 200-free (2.04.00) and third in the 100-free (55.36).

"In my first two seasons with the team, we have had great success at our championship meets. Outside of those meets, this was our best meet since I got here", said head coach Eric Rasmussen.

"Their performances today certainly indicates that our swimmers are on the right track for some fast swimming at our championships."

"Our men and women had seven life-time bests and eleven seasonal-best times today. Considering how hard we have been training, this was an excellent meet."

The Highlanders will travel to Rutgers for the Metropolitan Swimming Conference Championships on February 22, 23, and 24.

NJIT will return to action on Tuesday, when they host SUNY Maritime at 6pm.