BALTIMORE, Md. - Sophomore Ryan Murphy (New Fairfield, Conn.) broke his own program record in the 500-yard freestyle, as the Marist men's swimming and diving team competed on the first of two days at the H2ounds Invitational on Dec. 5. The Red Foxes went up against host Loyola as well as Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference foes Iona and Saint Peter's. Marist currently holds a lead over all three opponents, with its largest margin over the Peacocks (85-22). The Red Foxes lead Iona 81.50-27.50 and have a 73-37 advantage against Loyola.

Murphy swam the second men's event of the meet in 4:28.06, nearly two seconds faster than his previous record time of 4:30.66, amongst a field of 19 competitors. He also completed the final leg of the 800-yard freestyle relay, which Marist won after clocking in at 6:56.33. Seniors Bill Drennen (Collegeville, Pa.), Spencer Kelley (Weston, Conn.) and Jason Ruddy (Lake Katrine, N.Y.) preceded him on the relay team.

The Red Foxes' three divers finished atop the scoring in the 3-meter dive led by junior Josh Dodway (Niskayuna, N.Y.), who racked up 280.70 points for first place. Senior Jacob Baker (Shavertown, Pa.) followed in second place with 273.15 points, while freshman Peter Gallino (Watertown, Conn.) came in third place after posting a score of 243.30 points.

Ruddy picked up two more wins for Marist, claiming the top spot in the 200-yard individual medley (1:53.34), while senior Dylan Cummings (Midland Park, N.J.) took third (1:54.43). He was also a member of the winning 400-yard medley relay team along with Cummings, senior John Spitzer (Fairport, N.Y.) and sophomore Alexander Cassel (East Greenville, Pa.). Spitzer won first place in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 21.14 seconds.  

Day Two of the meet begins at 10 a.m. Dec. 6.