SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Following a pandemic-shortened season comprised of just one dual meet, the UCSB men's and women's swim teams will travel to San Luis Obispo this week for the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) Championships. Santa Barbara's men's squad (1-0) will be seeking their third MPSF Team Championship, having won in both 2017 and 2018 while finishing third last season. The women's squad (1-0) is looking for its first MPSF Team Championship since joining the conference in 2010.
"So much of this year was unpredictable, but our group is excited to race, even if this meet will look and feel much different than past conference championships," said Head Coach Matt Macedo. "I couldn't be prouder of the thirteen women and seventeen men who committed to their teammates and to this unprecedented season. I'm especially grateful that our three seniors were able to participate in our one and only dual meet and have a championship meet to close out their careers."
Having swam in only one dual meet this season, the Gauchos arrive at the championship meet less familiar with their opponents as compared to previous seasons. In this season's lone dual meet on Jan. 30 against Cal Poly, the men won 174-114 while the women defeated the Mustangs 171-120.
Santa Barbara will travel with a smaller group than usual for the championship meet. Included in the women's squad are two senior captains, Bryn McGowan and Lexi Fusari. At the Cal Poly dual meet, McGowan finished first in the 50 Free and anchored the first-place 400 Free Relay team. Last season, McGowan earned MPSF Second-Team honors in the 50 Free, 200 Free Relay, and 200 Medley Relay. Fusari anchored the first-place 200 Medley Relay team and was also part of the first-place 400 Free Relay team at Cal Poly.
One the men's side, Ryan Levy is the lone senior. At Cal Poly, Levy earned individual first place finishes in both the 100 and 200 Free and anchored the first-place 400 Free Relay. In 2019, the freestyler was named to the MPSF Second-Team for the 200 Free. Levy was also part of the 2017 and 2018 MPSF Championship teams.
Hawaii once again looks to be the Gauchos biggest competition, having won three straight women's championships and two straight on the men's side. Other teams that are expected to be towards the top of the rankings include BYU's men and women as well as UC Davis' women.
"I know this team will leave it all in the water," said Macedo.
The MPSF Championships will run this Wednesday through Saturday at Cal Poly's Anderson Aquatics Center in San Luis Obispo. No fans, parents, or spectators will be permitted. Click here for a schedule of events. Live results will be available on the Meet Mobile app (subscription required). A livestream will be broadcast here (subscription required).
