ALISO VIEJO, Calif. --- Strength and endurance has been the key to early season success for Biola Swim and Dive. The Eagles have worked through a packed early season schedule to put up numerous national qualifying swims and big event wins.

The success continued on Saturday at the SOKA Invitational, where Biola got three individual wins, as well as three wins in relays at a meet that included Concordia, Occidental, Azusa Pacific and SOKA.
 
"Even though we have had a very busy schedule this last month, our swims continue to be strong," said Head Coach Eddie Shepard. "We have been working hard to refine the little thingsand I think we are in a great place going into our meet with California Baptist next week."
 
Angela Kirschner picked up a first place finish in the 200-freestyle (2:01.09), setting a new season best by a full second. Megan Nerud also picked up a first place finish, winning the 200-backstroke (2:15.31) and qualifying for the national meet in that event and the 200 IM.
 
Nerud finished second in the 200-individual medley to teammate Christine Tixier who tacked on another win to her resume, her sixth individual win this season.
 
The Eagles got good swims on both sides today, tacking on 13 top-three finishes.
 
The women won both the 200- and 400-medley relays and the men added a big win in the 400-medley relay. In addition to the strong performance in the medley relay, the men put up some solid individual efforts, including Scott West's second place finish in the 500-freestyle.
 
"I was very impressed with our men's 400-medley relay and Scott's performance in the 500-freestyle," said Shepard. "The men's 500-freestyle was a great race, and even though Scott was just out-touched, he swam a season-best (5:14.48) and put in a very good swim."
 
Biola jumps back into dual meets next week in a road showdown against California Baptist.