Union swim is set to send 11 to NAIA Swim Nationals

Barbourville, Ky. - The Union Commonwealth University swimming and diving team is set to compete on the national stage this week as they travel to Elkhart, Indiana, for the NAIA Swimming and Diving Nationals. The Bulldogs will hit the water from Wednesday through Saturday.

A total of nine Union swimmers have qualified for Nationals. On the men's side, Malik Biad, Abel Eszenyi, Gergely Török, and Enzo Constable will represent the Bulldogs, with Zsombi Sipaki serving as an alternate. 

For the women, Sarah Graves, Dorottya Józsa, Emma Philips, Lise Puissant, and Manca Petrič will compete, while Giulia Liberti will be on standby as an alternate.

In the men's events, Biad will take on the 500 freestyle, 400 IM, and 200 butterfly, while Constable is set to compete in the 50 freestyle, 100 butterfly, and 100 freestyle. Eszenyi follows with entries in the 500 freestyle, 400 IM, and the 1650 freestyle. 

Török will also race in the 500 freestyle, adding the 200 freestyle and 1650 freestyle to his schedule. The men's team will showcase its depth in multiple relays, including the 200 medley relay, 800 freestyle relay, 200 freestyle relay, 400 medley relay, and 400 freestyle relay. 

On the women's side, Graves will represent the team in both the 1-meter and 3-meter events. In the pool, Jósza is set to compete in the 200 IM, 200 freestyle, and 100 freestyle. 

Petrič will take on the distance events, racing in the 500 freestyle, 200 freestyle, and 1650 freestyle. Phillips will compete in the 200 IM, 400 IM, and 200 breaststroke. Rounding out the lineup, Puissant will race in the 200 freestyle, 100 backstroke, and 100 freestyle. 

The women's team will also compete in a full slate of relays, including the 200 medley relay, 800 freestyle relay, 200 freestyle relay, 400 medley relay, and 400 freestyle relay. 

"I am extremely proud of the work our qualifiers have done. We have met and exceeded so many goals this year, and I'm really excited for them to showcase their talents one last time this season," says Head Coach Ryan Winders. "Looking back at last year's nationals, when we qualified five individuals and no relays, to this year, where we have 11 athletes traveling to Elkhart with a chance to compete and 10 relay teams, is incredible. It shows how far we've come and the trajectory this team is on. I am so proud of everyone's hard work and can't wait to see how we close out the season."

To watch the Bulldogs live click here. To purchase tickets for the event, click here.