The Franklin College swimming and diving teams opened their season Saturday against their in-state peers at the Indiana Division III Invitational, hosted by Wabash.

DePauw used its depth advantage to outpace the field in both the men's and women's meets. The Grizzlies were second in the women's meet with 741 points, while the men finished fourth with 413.5 points.

For the Griz women, Kat Lundy led the way by winning all three of her individual swims. The junior was first in the 100-yard backstroke (59.60 seconds), the 200 back (2:11.32) and the 100 individual medley (1:03.06). Celeste Hollis was first in both the 100 and 200 butterfly and was second in the 200 IM, good for 57 points; she was matched by Petal Sloan, who won the 100 and 200 freestyle (55.21 and 1:58.20, respectively) and was the runner-up in the 50 (25.32). Avery Tomlinson added 52 points, earning a win in the 200 breaststroke (2:33.98). 

Alexis Fleming was also a double winner for the Grizzlies, taking first on the 1- and 3-meter diving boards (190.00 and 201.75 points, respectively). Franklin also won the 200 medley relay behind the quartet of Lundy, Tomlinson, Hollis and Sloan (1:52.18).

On the men's side, Zachary Jackson-Blaine picked up a win in the 50 freestyle, hitting the wall in 21.35 seconds. Sam Hittel added a first-place finish in the 100 IM (56.00). The 400 free relay quartet of Keaton Stephenson, Will Johnson, Kaden Cummins and Jackson-Blaine also had a strong performance, placing second in 3:15.20.

Franklin coach Zach Rayce was excited about the performances of his freshmen in both meets. Stephenson had 41 points and Chris Mains 39 for the men, while the women got big contributions from Carly Houchin (39 points), Harley Morris (33) and Annie Jackson (26 in just two individual swims). He also raved about Macie McQuinn, who beat reigning HCAC champion Catherine Bath (Rose-Hulman) in the 500 free.

The Grizzlies are back in action this coming Saturday (Oct. 25) in a double dual meet with John Carroll and host Centre.