NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams will host the Cleveland State Vikings in their first home meet of the season Saturday afternoon at the Oxy Aquatic Center.  

The Purple Eagles took to the pool this past weekend, traveling to the University at Buffalo to compete in the Western New York Invitational against four other participating teams - Binghamton, Buffalo, Canisius, and St. Bonaventure. 

The freshmen on the men’s side made an immediate impact.  Shane Baxter finished fifth in the 100-yard backstroke (54:21) and Corban Bothell placed 10th in the 200-yard IM (2:03.73).  Returners on the women’s side were in excellent form as senior diver Ashley Jones earned the top score in the one-meter dive (348.25).  Sophomore Lindsey Jackson nabbed second in the 400-yard IM (4:42.48) and fifth in the 200-yard breaststroke (2:33.72).
  
The last meeting between the schools saw both Niagara teams dropping decisions - the men fell 221-79 and the women were defeated 245-55.  Several Purple Eagles saw individual successes.  Senior Ian O'Rourke came out on top in the 1-meter (283.10) and 3-meter diving event (297.97).  Sophomore Alex Siuda took third place in the 200-yard backstroke (2:02.45) and 200-yard IM (2:02.76), while junior Brian Sawma earned a second place finish in the 100-yard fly (52.72).

Jones had a fourth place finish in the 1-meter dive (201.00) and nabbed sixth in the 3-meter diving event (189.45).  Sophomore Ashley Harrington swam the 200 yard fly in 2:13.74, a third place finish. 

The meet is scheduled for 1 p.m.