Day two of the annual Delta State University Christmas Invitational continued Sunday with the Bears of Missouri State holding the lead in both the men’s and women’s competitions. MSU has tallied a two-day total 670 on the women’s side and holds an 89 point edge on second place Delta State (581). The men’s team is in firm control of the competition with 752 points to lead Tampa (524) by 128 points headed into Monday’s final round.

“Times just keep getting faster,” said DSU head coach Brian Hein. “Every team here has had success in the pool. I just hope we can make a move tomorrow.”

The Lady Statesmen got the day off on the right foot with a victory in the 200-Medley Relay. Hannah Willis, Lacy Mixon, Jennifer Artichuk and Alyce Meader hit the pad with a blistering 1:48.91 to edge second place MSU (1:49.32).

Jennifer Artichuk continued the success for the Lady Statesmen with the win in the 100-Butterfly. The senior and returning All-American narrowly defeated Missouri State’s Beanna Hollar :57.28 to :57.42. DSU’s Amanda Guidry finished third in the event with a :57.92.

In the women’s 100-Breaststroke, Ashley Thompson claimed the win for the Lady Statesmen with a 1:07.33. Hannah Willis won the 100-Backstroke in :58.82 by less than 0.2 seconds over Tampa’s Ellie Eshleman (:59.09).

The Statesmen also had an excellent day at the DSU Aquatics Center. Junior Fernando Reis jump started the Statesmen with the win in the 200-Free. His time of 1:40.65 made the D2 “A” list.

Roman Sereda recorded a D2 “A” cut with his second place finish in the 100-Butterfly. The sophomore from St. Petersburg, Russia finished second to MSU’s Victor Serra by less than a second :48.87 to :49.78.

Freshman David Struble also made a D2 “B” cut with his second place finish in the 100-Breaststroke. The Omaha, Neb., native turned in a :57.43 in the event. Earlier in the day, Struble (:57.15) qualified for the NCAA Championships during time trials for the event.

The annual Delta State Christmas Invitational will continue Monday with the third and final day of competition. Time trials begin at 10 a.m. with finals starting at 6 p.m.