MIAMI (Jan. 5, 2019) – For a day that started off gloomy with signs of uncertainty, the Panthers were able to stay hopeful at the 2019 Sprint Invite. Logging a score of 759.5, FIU dominated in the pool and from the board.
 
"Today was good. The spirit and energy was very good and that is a priority," said head coach Randy Horner. 
 
After 393 athletes participated in 44 events, the Panthers concluded the day placing first. The meet, designed as a longer format to test perseverance lasted about five hours.  
 
 "This meet marks the end of training camp and the 5 hour meet definitely took its toll," Said Horner. "The Team was a close unit today which helped get us through the long day." 
 
FIU represented well in the final elimination rounds of the 50 strokes, with at least one Panther competing in each event. 
 
Senior Captain Naomi Ruele showed a gutty performance after participating in four regular events, she went on to the elimination rounds in both the 50 back and 50 free. She faced teammate sophomore Melanie Vargas in the 50 back, and then teammate, sophomore Megan Bowen, in the 50 free and took the title in both events with scores of 26.83 and 24.07, respectively. 
 
Sophomore Stephanie Hussey was the runner-up in the 50 fly  (25.98) where she faced Duquesne University's Kristen McKnight. And junior Carita Luukkanen followed by taking the title in the 50 breast with a score of 30.02.  
 
The Panthers dazzled from the board and dominated the top five spots from both the 1-meter and 3-meter. 
 
Horner recaps the day with being most impressed by the effort that the team presented today, and is excited for what the rest of the season has to offer. 
 
Next week the Panthers play host to Central Connecticut State University in a dual meet that will take place on Saturday, January 12 at 11 a.m. ET at the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Center. 
 
For full FIU Sprint Invite results click here. 
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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