FAIRFAX, Virginia - UNCW opened defense of its men's swimming and diving title in a big way, breaking the Colonial Athletic Association 200 Medley Relay record on the opening swim of the meet on Wednesday at the McKay Natatorium.

"We're very pleased with how today went, both teams got off to strong starts," said UNCW Head Coach Dave Allen.  "We're looking forward to building upon tonight when the individual events begin tomorrow."

The relay of Valtteri Halonen, C.J. Fiala, Stephen Conrad and Joe Gallene broke UNCW's own school/meet record set at last year's championships with a time of 1:27.40. That time is also good for a NCAA "B" qualifier.

In the women's 200 Medley relay, UNCW's squad of Hannah Stephenson, Jenson Engen, Rachel Sears and Carly Tanner placed third with a time of 1:40.98.

In the 800 meters, UNCW set school records in both the men's and women's races. The men finished fourth with a time of 6:35,68 while the women took fifth in a time of 7:26.20.

The Championships continue on Thursday with the preliminaries at 10 a.m. followed by the finals session at 6 p.m. The finals session can be watched online at UNCWsports.com for free.

Standings
Men: William & Mary 74, UNCW 70, George Mason 64, Delaware 60, Drexel 52, Towson 50.

Women: James Madison 127; Towson 110, UNCW & Delaware 67, William & Mary 66, Northeastern 65, George Mason 57, Drexel 50.