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’Hawks host Miami Invitational

By Ben Vandertill, For The Miami Student

The Miami University men's and women's swimming teams have taken no time off during Thanksgiving break, as they are back in the pool to host the 21st Miami Invitational in the Nixon Aquatic Center. The meet starts Dec. 4.

The Miami Invitational consists of six sessions; three preliminary and three final. Starting at 1:30 Dec. 4, the meet continues through Saturday.

The invitational stands as an in-season milestone meet for the RedHawks, giving them a midway evaluation point on their season. A year ago, the women's squad was able to come away victorious over the likes of the University of Illinois, Denison University, Emory University, University of Cincinnati, Ball State University, Wright State University and Urbana University. The men's team put forth a solid team effort but ended up falling short to Denison University last year.

The men's team looks to keep the ball rolling after a big win over Cleveland State University Nov. 1. The win improved the RedHawks' duel meet record to 2-1. Leading the way was sophomore Bryan McNamara, who posted two first place finishes in the 500 and 1000 freestyle races.

Junior Emma Szczupakiewicz snagged one of three individual victories for Miami in last year's meet, winning the 200-meter backstroke with a time of 2:00.64.

Szczupakiewicz hopes to continue to build the team's momentum during the Invitational.

"The invite is always a great meet for our team and it really provides momentum going into the second half of the season," Szczupakiewicz said. "We have focused a lot on little things like stroke count and breath control in training, so we're looking forward to seeing that work translate into some fast swimming."

Home field advantage has favored the RedHawks, as they have come away champions the past four years. So far this season the 'Hawks have a 2-2 record. Junior Cristina Favia believes the meet gives the 'Hawks an opportunity to bust the door open for the rest of their season.

"The invite is always a very fun and exciting meet," Favia said. "It's a great opportunity for us to suit up and race. We've been doing a lot of good work in the pool and I'm confident that it will show this weekend."