MACOMB, Ill. – A new era of Truman Swimming kicked off on Saturday as the Bulldogs defeated Division I, Western Illinois University in a pair of duals. The men won 10 of 11 swims while the women were victorious in nine of 11 in the impressive debuts of the 2011-12 squads.

First year Head Coach Ed Pretre and assistant Kerry Smith saw two newcomers on the men's side win multiple events. Brandon Leavenworth won the 200 free and 200 fly in times of 1:49.83 and 2:00.37 while Etienne Thro took the 50 and 100 freestyle races in 22.52 and 49.77.

The men were 143-71 winners as they took 10 of 11, not counting the two diving events in which the host Leathernecks and Westerwinds competed unopposed.

Senior Jessica Jenkot was the only Bulldog women's swimmer to win multiple events as she also took the 50 and 100 frees. Jenkot swam 25.52 in the 50 and 55.69 in the 100.  Jenkot also swam lead-off on the victorious 400 free relay as she was joined by Bailey Peterson, Allison Harding and Abby Hempen.

The women won 136-76.

Both teams will be at Lindenwood University (Mo.) for a dual with the Lions starting at 1:00 p.m. next Saturday afternoon.