CARBONDALE, Ill. — Bellarmine University swimming set three new program records to highlight a strong performance at Southern Illinois' A3 Performance Invitational.

Junior Alexandra Pierce set a new women's program record in the 200 breaststroke with a 2:18.83 in the A-final. Pierce was the runner-up in the event and her time bested former Division II All-American Sophia Noren's 2:19.71 from the 2019 GLVC Championships. She was also fifth in the A-final in the 200 IM and ninth in the 100 breaststroke.

Freshman Charlotte Tully was a record-breaker in the 200 backstroke while placing third in the A-final. Her 2:04.94 topped Olivia Hopper's 2:05.43 from the 2020 GLVC Championships. Tully also placed top 10 in the A-finals in the 400 IM (fifth) and 500 freestyle (ninth).

Junior John Paul Metzner set a new men's program record in the 100 freestyle after swimming 45.74 in the first leg of the 400 freestyle relay. He beat Will O'Connor's previous record of 45.85 set at the 2023 CCSA Championships. He placed seventh in the event and also fourth in the 100 butterfly and eighth in the 50 freestyle.

Bellarmine had two in the A-final of the 500 freestyle, with sophomore Sam Jones placing third and freshman Evan Dickson finishing eighth. In addition, freshman Brady Campbell was 10th. Dickson added a fifth in the 200 freestyle and Jones was ninth.

Jones captured third in the 1650 freestyle, Campbell was sixth and freshman Evan Jones was eighth.

Junior Brandon Thomas placed fifth in the 200 IM and senior Kenton Whiteley was eighth while sophomore Cason Henderson was 10th and added a fifth in the 200 butterfly. Whitely was fourth and Thomas fifth in the 200 breaststroke. Thomas and sophomore Liam Connelly placed third and fourth in the 400 IM.

Sophomore Blake Whiteley placed eighth and freshman Colin Jackson ninth in the 100 backstroke.

Senior Caroline McMillin placed seventh in the A-final of the 400 IM. Junior Johnnise Garcia placed eighth and freshman Coral Brogan 10th in the 1650 freestyle, while freshman Lily Wolfe was sixth in the 200 butterfly.

Bellarmine will break from competition until hosting Evansville in a dual on Jan. 13.
 
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