BUFFALO, N.Y. – The 800 free relay team of Izzy Jones, Lisa Eriksson, Kennedy Lovell, and Lauren Kilgore paced the Rockets on the first day of the 2020 Mid-American Conference Championships, placing third overall in the event with a 7:16.20. Their time was less than three seconds off the school record set in 2011.

Jones' 1:47.32 leg of the 800 free relay was her fastest time in her career and is less than two-hundredths off of the school record.

"We started out the conference meet with strong relay performances," said interim head coach Brie Globig. "Our medley relay did phenomenal; all of their splits were significantly faster than our mid-season meet. The 800 free relay is a true test of strength and speed and all four of our relay legs swam best 200 splits. They focused on putting together their best individual races, which was important for our success in the event."

The Rockets also swam well in the 200 medley relay, finishing fifth overall. The relay team of Ashley Jeffreys, Bec Welke, Duda Sales, and Kennedy Lovell touched the wall in 1:40.65.

Toledo is in third place overall with 60 points at the end of day one. The Rockets are eight points behind second-place Buffalo and 20 points behind Akron. The Rockets will be back in action tomorrow for day two of the MAC Championships.