YSU swimming and diving team invitational will begin on Friday

YOUNGSTOWN — The YSU swimming and diving team plays host to the YSU Invitational beginning Friday at Beeghly Center.

The three-day invitational features Saint Francis (Pa.), California (Pa.), Mount St. Mary’s and YSU. Admission is free.

Friday’s preliminaries begin at 11 a.m. with finals at 6 p.m. Saturday’s morning session begins at 9 with the second session at 5 p.m. Sunday’s events are at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Penguins had an impressive first month of the season competing against Conference USA foe Marshall and Mid-American Conference members Bowling Green, Akron and Ohio. The Penguins defeated Horizon League members Cleveland State and Butler and also picked up a win over Niagara in dual competition.

Leading the way has been senior Olivia Arnold, an Australia native. Already this season, Arnold has established school records in the 500-yard freestyle (5:03.60 on Nov. 7), the 1,000-yard freestyle (10: 23.19 on Nov. 14) and the 1,650 freestyle (17.28.85 in October).

Besides the three distance races, Arnold has competed in the 400 IM, the 200 free, the 200 breaststroke at some point this year.

Sophomore Ashley Williamson broke a school record in the 200-yard butterfly last Saturday against Ohio.

Williamson swam the 200 fly in a time of 2:10.59 against the Bobcats breaking the mark set in February 1986 by Becky MacFadyen.

This is the final competition for the Penguins until they play host to Saint Francis on Jan. 17.