ALLIANCE, Ohio—Mount Union's men's swimming and diving team got off to a strong start as they handled the Terriers of Hiram, 170-82, in a non-conference match-up.

The Purple Raiders were paced by senior Dominique Melvin (Woodmere/Orange), sophomore Mike Zappa (Shelby/Shelby), and freshman Brian Ruhe (Versailles/Versailles), who each won two events on the day.

Melvin won both the 50 and 100-yard freestyle events, with times of :22.47 and :51.41, respectively. Zappa claimed first in the 50 (:24.46) and 100 butterfly (:54.65) events, while Ruhe was victorious in the 50 (:28.80) and 100 breaststroke (1:03.77).

Also taking individual events for Mount Union were Nick Bester (Chagrin Falls/Kenston) in the 1000 free (10:55.02), Thomas Spichiger (Granville/Granville) in the 200 free (1:57.18), Zach Melvin (Woodmere/Orange) in the 50 backstroke (:27.17), Hayden Birnbrich (Pataskala/Columbus St. Charles Prep) in the 100 backstroke (:57.71), and Mike Greisl (South Euclid/Notre Dame Cathedral Latin) in the 500 free (5:05.61).

The Purple Raiders also won the 200 medley relay (1:44.04), with the team of Birnbrich, Ruhe, Bester, and Spichiger.

Mount Union (1-0) will return to the pool Friday at 6 p.m. for a conference meet with John Carroll.