HOUSTON, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word women's swimming team opened their season at Rice University on Friday and lost the dual meet, 132-70. (Results)

The Cardinals were led by senior Lana Nguyen (Kiev, Ukraine/NPD) and freshman Abigail Meyer (Austin/Bowie HS) who each won individual events.  Nguyen edged out Cora McKenzie and Rachel Moody of Rice in the 50-yard freestyle.  She touched the wall in 23.78 while McKenzie and Moody were each less than a quarter second behind Nguyen.  

In her first ever swim in a UIW uniform, Meyer came through with an exciting win in the 200-yard backstroke.  She led through the first half of the race and then Julie Litver passed her heading into the final turn, but Meyer came from behind to out-touch Litver at the wall.  Meyer came in at 2:07.71 to Litver's 2:07.78.

Senior Celeste Morgen (San Antonio/Johnson HS) and Nguyen each picked up runner-up finishes for the Cardinals.  Morgen had a strong performance in the 200-yard breaststroke finishing in 2:22.34.  Nguyen followed up her win in the 50 freestyle with a runner-up in the 100 freestyle.  She touched the wall in 52.90.

The Cardinals are back in action on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the University of Houston.
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