October 18, 2009

BRYANT MEN'S SWIMMING CRUISES PAST NJIT IN OPENER 116-71 SATURDAY

NEWARK, NJ- The Bryant University men's swim team opened up its 2009-2010 season with a 116-71 win over NJIT on the road on Saturday. The Bulldogs dominated the Highlanders, winning every event and getting the program's second year of competing at the Division I level off to a great start.

Kevin McDonald (North Haven, CT) had turned in one of many fine performances on the day for the Bulldogs.  McDonald finished first in both the 200 and 100 yard freestyle events. Sophomore transfer Alex Kosenski (Lavalette, NJ) was also a double winner in his first meet as a Bulldog, winning both the 50 and 500 yard freestyle events.

"After a tough pre-season and an encouraging meet today, I feel very optimistic about this season. I think by the end of the season we can smash a lot of the team records," McDonald said after the meet.

Following the lead of McDonald and Kosenski, the Bulldogs also received strong performances with individual wins by Trung Nyguen, Konrad Lech, Tom Huynh, Matt Derwin, and Steve Sinclair.

The squad only consists of eleven team members, none of whom are seniors, all of whom contributed to the win on Saturday.

"We are much more focused this year than last year. We have our eyes on the prize," McDonald said.

With a focused team of underclassmen, the 2009-2010 Bryant Bulldog Men's Swim Team may be the best men's team the school has had in the program's young history. Only time will tell for the program,  with this year's team sticking to the quality over quantity mentality.

So far, so good for the undefeated Bulldogs, who take on the University of Maine next Friday at 6 p.m. in their home opener at the Chace Athletic Center Pool.