Feb. 22, 2008

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - The Highlander women kicked off its 2008 Metropolitan Swimming Meet of Championships in record setting fashion Friday afternoon.

The squad of Karen Cilento, Teresa Higgins, Bonnie Fiallo and Sadie Mele broke the school record in the first event of the meet, the 200 free style relay. With a time of 1:51.23, it was the 11th fastest time of the morning advancing the Highlanders to the consolation in the afternoon. The Highlanders broke the existing record of 1:55.71 set in 2004.

Cilento and Mele also advanced in the 50 yard free style. Both swimmers qualified for the bonus final; with Cilento finishing 17th and Mele finishing in 24th. Cilento's time of 25.77 is the second fastest in school history and only .15 off the record.

The same four women finished the morning preliminary heats with another school record, this time in the 400 medley relay. Their time of 4:42.93 broke a school record set earlier this season. Mele's time on the leadoff backstroke leg of the relay also broke the school record for the 100 yard backstroke. Her time was 1:04.40.

Additionally, Higgins and Ashley Craig recorded lifetime personal best performances in their individual events. Higgins competed in the 500 yard free style and Craig in the 50 yard free style.

"This morning was excellent for us. Nearly everyone swam seasonal best times in their events. Additionally, we had many lifetime bests, a number of school records and some of the best scoring opportunities I have seen since I got to NJIT." said head coach Eric Rasmussen.

The meet continues tonight with the finals at 6:00 pm and concludes with competition on Saturday and Sunday.

(description courtesy of head coach Eric Rasmussen)