Henderson State delivered another strong all-around performance Friday night at the NSISC Championships, highlighted by an individual title, multiple podium finishes, and key relay points heading into the final day.
The headline moment came in the Men's 100 Breaststroke, where junior Avery Henke captured the conference championship in 54.27, earning an NCAA B cut and giving the Reddies a major boost in the team standings. Oskar Cebula and Mark Eberhard added A-final points.
In the Men's 200 Butterfly, senior Nojus Skirutis finished runner-up in 1:47.40 (NCAA B), and sophomore Colin Candebat placed third in 1:48.47, putting multiple Reddies on the podium. Additional scoring came from Stevie Balistreri, Colton Bennett, and Emiliano Pina.
The distance group added valuable depth in the 500 Freestyle. Colton Bennett (4th) and Alan González Mujica (5th) led the way in the A final. Henderson also saw strong scoring depth from freshman Bartu Akin and freshman Thomas Landreneau in the championship heat, while Scott Doll won the B final to pile on team points.
On the women's side, Emma Crowe turned in a strong fourth-place finish in the 100 Backstroke, hitting the NCAA Invite standard. Jennifer Montier and Daniela Ruiz added an A-final swim in the 200 Butterfly, coming in sixth and eight respectivley. While freshman Monroe Chittum competed in the A final of the 100 breaststroke and continued to gain valuable championship points.
The night closed with a big relay push. The men's 4x50 freestyle relay placed second in 1:20.21, narrowly missing the title, while the women's squad finished third to secure critical points.
With one day remaining, the Reddies continue to build momentum and remain firmly in the hunt as Championship Saturday approaches.
Team scores after four days are the following:
Women:
1.) University of West Florida - 902
2.) Delta State University - 679
3.) Ouachita Baptist University - 398
4.) Henderson State University - 337
Men:
1.) Ouachita Baptist University - 846.50
2.) Henderson State University - 793
3.) Delta State University - 713.50
