Cleveland, Miss. - The Rhodes College swimming and diving teams opened their 2019-20 seasons on the road at the University of Delta State Saturday afternoon. 

"It was great to get out and have the team compete against a very good Delta State team today," said first year head coach Steve Webb. "They were second in the country on the men's side and 12th in the country on the women's side in Division II last year. So to win five different women's races two events on the men's side, is a good sign. The meet was more competitive than the score would indicate with a lot of close races."

The day was highlighted by transfer Sinead Eksteen's program record mark in the 500 free (4:59.59), breaking teammate Lilli Mett's time set last year by about seven seconds and also earning an NCAA B-Cut. She also won the 200 freestyle and is currently the fastest swimmer in NCAA Division III in both races. She was also a member of the winning 400 free relay alongside Madi Griffin, Mary Beth Baker and Nancy Hulsander. Also winning individual events on the women's side was Griffin in the 50 free and 100 free. Three Lynx secured second place in Metts (100 back), Emily Ulmer (100 breast) and freshman Mia Harris (100 fly).

On the men's side, Zac Gammons won the 100 back while Evan Ziolkowski placed first in the 100 free and second in the 50 free. Overall, the Rhodes women fell 102-196 while the men fell 65-222. 

"We had great energy, and anytime you can set a school record during the first meet of the year, that's a good sign. We also produced one NCAA consideration cut. Our depth on the women's side was really on display today and the men's team put up some very nice times for this early in the season."

Rhodes now turns their focus to next week's meet in Birmingham against defending conference champs, Birmingham-Southern.