The Eagles swim team proved itself once again with a strong performance at the 2011 Malibu Invitational at Pepperdine University on Saturday.

Both the men and women swam at the top of most events.

Biola men record quick times

Senior Nathan Roe placed third in the men’s 50-yard butterfly with a time of 24.71 and freshman Austin Sarna finished in fourth with a time of 25.37. Roe placed fourth in the men’s 50-yard backstroke with a time of 29.54. Freshman Nick Steadman placed third in the men’s 50-yard breaststroke with a time of 29.04 and Roe placed sixth with a time of 30.68.

The Eagles’ men dominated in the 50-yard freestyle. Junior Chris Stutzman placed first with a time of 22.10, Steadman came in second with a time of 22.11 and sophomore Bretton Smith placed fourth with a time of 22.90.

Not only were the men able to triumph in the 50 freestyle, but also in the 100-yard freestyle. Stutzman once again came in first at 49.03, Steadman placed second with a time of 50.37 and Smith placed seventh with a time of 51.71.

“I was very happy with my swims at Malibu. At this point in the season, my body is really trying to catch up and adjust to the heavy training load,” Steadman said. “I am expecting great results as the season continues.”

Tixier takes first in butterfly event

Biola can also boast a solid performance on the women’s side. Freshman Christine Tixier was a standout competitor once again. She placed first in the women’s 50 butterfly with a time of 26.52 and second in the 100-yard breaststroke at 1:12.32. Freshman Megan Nerud, also a strong competitor at Saturday’s meet, placed fifth in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 01:08.74 and fifth in the 50 backstroke with a time of 29.78.

“Overall, I think everyone was happy with their swims. It’s been a blast seeing all the encouragement going around, and pushing each other to race harder,” Steadman said. “I think the team did great at the Malibu meet, and we all had a blast!”

The Eagles are back in the pool Saturday, Oct. 29 against their rival university, Azusa Pacific University at 10 a.m.