PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Columbia women's swimming and diving opened up the Rutgers Invitational on Wednesday evening, placing second and third in the 800-yard freestyle relay. The Lions sit in first place as a team with 110 team points.
 
Columbia's 'A' relay team of senior Mary Ashby, first-year Mary Pruden, sophomore Jessica He and first-year Clare Larsen combined for a runner-up finish with a time of 7:25.86. The Lions' 'B' squad of junior Helen Wojdylo, first-year Kasey Karkoska, first-year Claire Lin and first-year Madison Leblanc posted a time of 7:42.89 – good for third place overall.
 
"Nice start to the meet with the 800 free relay," said Columbia associate head coach Demerae Christianson. "Helen really stood out tonight, swimming a best time by more than two seconds. Both relays had highlights and we're looking forward to some more fast racing."
 
Wojdylo swam the opening leg on Columbia's 'B' squad, registering a personal-best time of 1:49.78.
The Lions will be back in action for day two on Thursday, kicking things off with swimming prelims at 10 a.m. ET followed by finals at 6 p.m. Thursday's events will include the 500 free, 200 IM, 50 free, 200 free relay and 400 medley relay.
 
For the latest on the Columbia women's swimming and diving program, follow @CULadySwim on Twitter and Instagram, @ColumbiaDiving on Instagram and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.