Russum and Burke open the Eagle Invitational with flying colors

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Libby Russum And Mia Burke swam the best 50 free times in the 200 free relay and the 50 free for excellence in swimming and diving at Florida Gulf Coast University on Friday at the Eagle Invitational. Russum and Burke were tied in the 50 free with a time of 23.52 and swam the fastest legs of the winning 200 free relay team (Burke, 22.90; Russum, 23.10).

After the first day, FGCU leads the field with 324 points. Tampa is in second place with 284 points and Toledo is in third place with 210 points.

Izzy Ackley continues to shine in her first encounters for the Eagles. Her time in the 400-meter medley relay backstroke (54.13) would have won the ASUN championship in that event last year. Ackley missed winning the 50 free by 0.06 seconds ahead of her teammates Russum and Burke.

Over on the boards, Bailey Betzer and Rylie Darkatsh took second and third place with scores of 253.90 and 240.90, respectively.

The Eagle Invitational continues Saturday with two sessions. The morning course starts at 10:00 a.m., the evening course starts at 6:00 p.m. Admission to all FGCU swimming and diving meets is free.