SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – In one of their toughest match-ups of the season the UC Santa Barbara Gaucho women dueled MPSF rival UC Davis in their senior day and last home meet of the season. Each point counted in this tight meet and it ended up coming down to a critical decision for Coach Gregg Wilson regarding the relays.
"We need first and third in the 400 free relay to tie. At UCSB, a tie doesn't cut it. We split up our "A" relay and went for first and second," Coach Wilson commented after the loss. UC Davis ended up winning 148-114, after taking first in the 400 freestyle relay.
The Gauchos had a strong swim in the 200 medley relay to begin the day, with the Gauchos' "A" relay (1:46.37) taking second and the "B" relay (1:49.25) taking fourth.
Senior Micaela Velasquez finished third in the 200 freestyle shortly after with a time of 1:54.65.
The Gauchos gained ground after taking first through third in the 100 breaststroke. Jiana Vargem (1:05.58) led the pack, followed by Katie Records (1:05.72), and Carissa Metcalf (1:05.74).
Lauren Vosseler (24.07) and Julia Mikota (24.61) dominated the 50 freestyle, taking one-two in the event. After the break Mikota (52.68) came back to take second in the 100 freestyle, followed by Hollace Barden (53.20) in third, Hope Curran (53.44) in fourth, and Meghan Bicomong (53.53) in fifth.
The Gaucho breaststrokers proved their excellence once again in the 200 breaststroke, placing first through fourth. Alyssa Shew (2:20.96) took first, followed by Jiana Vargem (2:21.40) in second, Carissa Metcalf (2:22.03) in third, and Kathleen Benjamin (2:25.08) in fourth.
At a critical point in the meet, Heren Alanis (5:02.94) prevented Davis from going one-two-three in the 500 freestyle by placing third in the event.
Despite a groin injury Katie Records (2:06.08) stepped up and took first in the 200 IM. Senior Heren Alanis (2:08.58) followed in third, Alyssa Shew (2:09.37) in fourth, and Jiana Vargem (2:11.69) in fifth.
The day ended with the 400 freestyle relay. UCSB's "A" team placed second (3:30.32) with impressive splits from Lauren Vosseler (51.27) and Hollace Barden (52.15).
Coach Gregg Wilson met with the girls' team after the loss, congratulating the seniors on a great meet. "Today just wasn't our day. We will have our day," he said.
Three seniors were honored today after finishing four years as a Gaucho. "Heren Alanis, Carissa Metcalf, and Micaela Velasquez are three incredible women and they will be missed dearly," Coach Matt Macedo said as the meet wrapped up.
The Gauchos look forward to competing in San Lois Obispo next Saturday Jan. 31st against the men and women of Cal Poly.
