BISMARCK, ND - Entering the second year of swimming at the University of Mary, the Marauders look to take a big step forward under the direction of head coach
Allan McCallum. The Marauders open the 2017-18 season on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7-8, at the Augustana Triangular against the host Vikings and Northern State University.
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The Marauders finished 3-5 in head-to-head competition in UMary's inaugural year and placed seventh overall at the school's first conference meet.
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McCallum has added 11 new swimmers on the roster, growing the UMary squad from 14 in year one to 22 this season. The team features no seniors, three juniors, nine sophomores and 10 freshmen.
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A trio of sophomores return to lead a young group.
Melissa Andrews (Franconia, NH) made the NSIC finals in three events (500, 1,000 and 1,650 free). Her top finish was 9
th in the 1,650. Â
Alyssa Boese (Billings, MT) placed fourth in the conference meet in the 200 butterfly and made the finals in four events (200 and 400 IM, 200 butterfly, 200 backstroke).
Kate Murphy (Jefferson City, MT) placed 7
th in the 500 free and made three finals (200, 500 and 1,650 free).
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Several newcomers have a chance to make the proverbial splash for the Marauders program. Freshman
Mary Williamson owns times in the 400 and mile freestyle that would have placed her towards the top of the Northern Sun last year. Additionally she is strong in the 500 and 1,000 freestyle. She is the Northern Sun Swimmer to Watch for the Marauders this season.
Additional freshmen to watch this season are
Luisa Garcia,
Mackenzie Houston and
Abbey Zajdzinski.
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The squad features swimmers from 11 different states and three countries, including the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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In the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll released Thursday, the Marauders were picked to finish seventh. St. Cloud State is the favorite to win the conference, followed by Minnesota State, MSU Moorhead, Sioux Falls, Northern State, Augustana and UMary.
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