Rice leads trio of Bulldogs with two wins in season opener Friday

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Freshman Jillian Rice (Trumbull, Conn.), sophomore Nicole Salzano (Elmwood Park, N.J.) and senior Julia Messina (Canandaigua, N.Y.)each won two events but Boston College was able to edge out the Bryant University women's swimming and diving team in an exciting finish on Friday night at the Chace Athletic Center Pool.

The Bulldogs (0-1) led the Eagles (0-1) by one point with one event to go and the Eagles were able to win the 400 free relay and the meet. It was the season opener for both teams.

The trio of Rice, Salzano and Messina helped the Black and Gold build what seemed like a comfortable lead. In her first career meet, Rice won the 100 and 200 free events. Salzano won the 100 and 200 back and also helped the 200 medley relay win the opening event of the meet. Messina was also a member of the 200 medley relay team and won the 100 and 200 breast.

Jamie Schaefer (Durham, N.C.) won the 200 fly and finished second in the 100 fly. Valeria Watson (Mexico City, Mexico) and Lauren Doerrman (Oley, Pa.) grabbed a second place finish each of the evening.

The Bulldogs return to the pool next weekend when it travels to Staten Island, N.Y., to take on Wagner.