It was a historical weekend for the Iona men's and women's swimming and diving program, as women's senior co-captain Jamie Manser, posted Iona's first ever NCAA Division I qualifying time, as she won the 100-Breast with a pool, school and MAAC record of 1:02.13 and was 1.2 seconds better than her MAAC record.

The squads closed out the first half of their season in finishing 1-2 on both sides at the H2ounds Invitational at the Mangione Aquatic Center on the Campus of Loyola University Baltimore.

On the men's side, Iona defeated Saint Peter's 209-146 and dropped to Loyola and Marist. On the women's side, the Gaels also picked up a victory Saint Peter's 268-76 and fell to Loyola and Marist.

Manser's finishing time qualifies her under the NCAA “B” standard of 1:02.29 and will allow her to compete at Auburn University in March. The time also broke the pool record set by the North Baltimore Aquatic Club three-time Olympic medalists and 13-time National Champion, Katie Hoff set in 1993.

“I've never doubted Jamie, she is extraordinarily determined,” noted head coach Nick Cavataro. “Jamie has three goals in her mind, win MAAC's, make NCAA's and qualify for the June Olympic trials. This was a big step to all three.”

“This invitational format is very challenging for everyone; it is a mini-championship format. It is both a good conditioning and benchmark test of the squad” added Cavataro.

Individually on the men's side, Junior Chris Yacobacci and Sophomore Justin Grigull picked up two wins apiece. Both men, like Manser have their sights set on the goals of MAAC championships and NCAA and Olympic Trial qualification posted their best times of the season.

Yacobacci took the 100-Breast at 57.23 and lowered his own school record in the 200-Breast to 2:03.49. Grigull, picked up a pair also, lowering his school record to 1:40.20 in the 200-Free and came back to win the 100-yard Free at 46.76.