OMAHA, Neb. – The College of Saint Mary swim team will have its largest roster in 10 years as 14 student-athletes are with the Flames this season.

"Our roster size has significantly increased and we are excited to show up to meets with versatile swimmers and be competitive," CSM Coach Mykenzie Liston said. "We have great returners and a strong freshman class that are ready to show our conference who CSM is."

The Flames will be led by returners Lily Wright, Mia Gauvin and Jaidyn Vanschoiack. Wright was CSM's lone national qualifier last year as she qualified in the 100-yard breaststroke (10^th overall), the 200 breaststroke (6^th overall, All-America status) and the 200 individual medley (28^th overall).

Her swims helped the Flames take 19^th overall in team competition at nationals. CSM placed ninth at the KCAC conference meet.

Liston said other big returners will be Gauvin and Vanschoiack. Gauvin participates in all CSM relays and was part of two record-breaking relays last season (200 medley, 200 freestyle). Wright and Vanschoiack were also on those relays, while Wright also broke school records in the 100 breaststroke, the 200 breaststroke and the 200 individual medley last season. Vanschoiack scored points for the Flames in the 100 backstroke at the conference meet last season.

The Flames are hoping that adding depth will help the squad compete in the KCAC.

"The team has discussed where we want to be point-wise which I think is very doable with the swimmers we have," Liston said. "We will be climbing the ladder in overall points. We excelled a lot in relay points last year which will continue to happen this year."

Liston has been pleased with what she's seen from the team in practices so far this year.

"To watch these ladies come together and become so close so soon is very exciting," she said. "They have continued to shift our culture in a positive direction towards working hard, giving 100 percent and being the best teammates they can be in and out of the pool. We have a great group of young ladies and I am excited to watch them grow in the pool and in the classroom.

"Our practices have had a ton of energy which is a great environment to be in. We have seen improvement already on technique and times in just practices alone."

The Flames are looking for good times on Saturday when they kick off their competitive season with a home meet vs. University of Jamestown. The meet starts at 11 a.m.