CALIFORNIA, Pa. - The Notre Dame College men's and women's swimming and diving teams started their seasons off strong at a relay meet hosted by California University (Pa.) on Saturday. Both teams defeated Salem University with the men winning 194-108 and the women coming home victorious 98-62. The women also fell to Cal 166-98.

The day started off strong as the Falcons won the fourth event of the day, the men's 300-yard backstroke. A trio of freshman in Garrett Warren, Daniel Alvarez and Delshawn Durkins won the race by nearly two seconds. The win was sandwiched by two second-place finished on the women's side 300-yard backstroke and 300-yard breaststroke. 

The men won five events overall with the addition of finishing first in the 800-yard freestyle, 500-yard freestyle, 400-yard medley and the 4x100 IM. The freshmen made big impacts as they made up the majority of the winning relay teams. There were at least three freshmen on each of the winning teams for NDC. 

"The relays meets are always a fun way to introduce freshmen into college racing," said head coach Stephanie Gyurke. "It gets them hyped up and use to the setting, but at the same time takes a little bit of the pressure off knowing they have other people competing with them. I think this meet was an eye opener for us. We really saw what we need to work on and adjustments we need to make in order to have a successful season."

Notre Dame will compete at Davis & Elkins next as both men's and women's teams start their GMAC-MEC conference seasons. The meet will take place on Friday, October 26.