NEWARK, NJ -- The NJIT men's swimming team opened up its 2008-09 season with a 102-70 win against Manhattan Sunday afternoon at the Estelle and Zoom Fleisher Athletic Center.

NJIT collected eight first-place finishes on the day, posting wins in the 200 individual medley, 1000 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 100 breaststroke and 200 freestyle relay.

Four different Highlanders claimed top honors in the individual events – Andrew Helbers, making his season debut in the pool, took the 1000 yard freestyle and 500 yard freestyle. 

Also making his season debut was Richard Montesano taking first in the 100 yard freestyle and 200 yard freestyle.  Steve Schreyer won the 50 yard freestyle and captain Michael Lawson added a first place finish in the 100 yard breaststroke.

The 200 yard relay team which consisted of Schreyer, Lawson, Daniel Carrera and Pablo Botero picked up another first place finish for the Highlanders.

The Highlanders are back in the pool on Sunday, November 9 when they travel to Bethlehem, PA to take on Lehigh.  The meet is scheduled to start at 10:30am.