KEENE, N.H.--The Keene State College swimming and diving programs kicked off the 2017-18 season in dominating fashion, hosting Colby-Sawyer College, Franklin Pierce University, and St. Michael's College on Saturday.  

Women's Highlights

The women defeated all three programs, with a 234-36 win over Franklin Pierce, a 196-97 win over St. Michael's, and a 228-40 win over Colby-Sawyer College.  

The Owls posted 14 wins out of 16 events, including senior Hope Walsh taking the taking the 1,000 freestyle in 11:01.07 and the 500 freestyle in 5:21.37.  Katie Brandeberry was a part of four wins, taking the 100 backstroke in 1:03.69 and the 100 free in 57.22.  Brandeberry also anchored the 400 free relay that won in 3:49.85, and the 200 medley relay in 1:55.09.

Other winners for the Owls included Rachel Mackinnon, who won the 200 free in 2:07.59, and Emily McMahon, who won the 100 breaststroke in 1:11.22.  Freshman Hannah Wood marked her debut with wins in the 50 free in 25.85 and 100 fly in 1:04.62.  

Jessica Beler won both the diving events, taking the 1-meter board with a score of 168.67, and the 3-meter with a score of 135.97.  Madison Pechulis took home a win in the 200 breaststroke in 2:38.63, while Alex McCafferty did so in the 200 fly in 2:24.91.

Men's Highlights

The Owl men were equally as successful, led by sophomore Kyle Shadeck, who won three individual events, plus a relay.  Shadeck touched the wall first in the 100 backstroke, in 55.28, as well as the 200 fly (2:00.82) and the 100 fly (53.28).  Shadeck also was a part of the winning 200 medley relay team, that finished in 1:42.88.

Keene State defeated Saint Michael's 162-96, and posted a 203-38 win over Colby-Sawyer.

Eric King also won three individual events, taking the 50 free in 22.93, the 100 free in 50.77, and the 200 free in 1:51.63.  JT Barth added a win in the 100 breastroke in 1:04.28, the 200 breastroke in 2:21.10, and the 200 IM in 2:11.75, while Antony Hubbard won the 200 backstroke in 2:10.38.