FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason men's and women's swimming teams are set to open the 2018-19 season, competing in the annual Potomac Relay Invitational on Friday at 3 p.m. at Frailey Pool at Bender Arena in Washington, D.C.
 
The Patriots will compete against American, Georgetown and Howard in the event.  Admission to the Potomac Relay Invitational is free. 
 
Teams will compete in the 200-yard medley relay, 500-yard freestyle relay, 800-yard freestyle relay, 1000-yard freestyle relay and butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke 3X100 relays.
 
Mason won the team title last year, claiming 15 of the 18 events overall. 
 
The Patriots women's team won seven of nine events and finished with 380 points.  American was second on the women's side (344), followed by Howard (280) and Georgetown (218).
 
The Mason men's team won eight of nine relays to take the top spot with 354 points.  Howard finished second on the men's side (298), followed by American (286) and Georgetown (226).
 
Last season, Hannah Ikenberry finished with four individual first place finishes, second-most on the Mason women's team.  On the men's side, Attila Kiss finished with five individual first place finishes, third-most on the squad.
 
The Patriots begin the season with seven seniors, 11 juniors and 15 sophomores returning from last year's roster.  The returners will be joined by 18 newcomers for the 2018-19 campaign.