Day Two at Delta State Invite Nets Several National Qualifying Times

CLEVELAND, Miss. - In the second day of competition at the Delta State Invitational, The University of Tampa men's and women's swimming teams continued to add national qualifying times to their profile. Heading into the final day, Tampa's men are second while the women are third.

UT started off day two with the men's 200 Medley Relay, where the Spartans made a national qualifying time of 1:32.96 from the team of Kyle Merritt, Matt Kramer, Mike Lewis and Mike Verdi.

Jennifer Jenkins then made a national "B" cut in the 400 IM in the morning session with a time of 4:33.34. That was followed by a Chris O'Linger national "B" cut qualification in the 400 IM with a time of 4:08. Hunter Lineback also made a national "B" in the 400 IM with a time of 4:09.81.

In the next event, Mike Lewis (50.73) and Patrick Murray (51.34) both made national "B" cuts. Jessie Bardin then won the 200 Free in a time of 1:51.63, which represented a national "A" cut. Tyler Furrer (1:43.34), Frank Kuchta (1:43.67) and Blaine Bess (1:43.97) all turned in national "B" cuts.

Ellie Eshelman took second in the 100 Back with 59.09 national "B" cut. Patrick Murray took third in the 100 back in a time of 51.80 national "B" cut. The women's 800 free relay, consisting of Jennifer Jenkins, Hannah Hudson, Jessie Bardin and Stephanie Branham also won in a time of 7:47.39.

Finally, the men's 800 free relay consisting of Chris O'Linger, Kyle Merritt, Frank Kuchta and Tyler Furrer won while challenging the school record and making the national cut by almost five seconds, with a time of 6:47.60.

Women - Team Scores
1. Missouri State, 670
2. Delta State, 581
3. Tampa, 467
4. New Orleans, 224
5. Lambuth, 69

Men - Team Scores
1. Missouri State, 752
2. Tampa, 524
3. Delta State, 372
4. Lambuth, 11