SAN LUIS OBISPO, Cali. - UC Santa Barbara Men's and Women's Swim kicked off their season in the pool against the Cal Poly Mustangs. The women earned a 94 point victory over their opponents in the Blue-Green Rivalry, while the men fell to their opponents by eight. Nevertheless, Gaucho Swim looked promising in their season debut – taking first in numerous events.
FROM HEAD COACH JACLYN ROSEN
"We had a great time racing," said Rosen. "We had wins by every single one of our captains as well as big swims by new rookies. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the season and to see what this team can do. Super proud to be a Gaucho."
HOW IT HAPPENED
Of the 14 events the women's team competed in, they placed first in 12 of them. This dominant performance was headlined by Miranda Stevenson who placed best in the 50 freestyle (23.97) and 100 breaststroke (1:04.80) along with her participation in two winning relay teams (200 freestyle relay - 1:36.23 and the 400 medley - 3:49.58). Junior, Hazel Derr notched four victories as well, sweeping first in both the 100 backstroke (57.02) and 200 backstroke (2:05.12) while manning positions in the aforementioned 400 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay. Lucy Huang demonstrated her abilities with first place finishes in the 200 breaststroke (2:22.93) and 200 IM (2:09.79).
Other notable finishes that were the best at the meet were Makena Leacox in the 100 butterfly (56.53), Tyryn Empremsilapa in the 100 freestyle (52.67), Sophie Ryan in the 200 butterfly (2:08.52), and Annie Andres in 200 freestyle (1:56.34).
The men's team placed first in eight of their events. Austin Sparrow led the way with victories in the 100 freestyle (45.16) and 200 freestyle (1:40.58). He joined Matt Driscoll, Kyle Brill, and Bryden Thielenhaus with a winning time of 3:49.58 in the 400 medley relay. Sparrow wrapped the meet up along with Mason Wendler, Rob Carpenter, and Zac Tamusaitis with a leading time of 1:22.57 in the 200 freestyle relay.
The Gaucho Men's team also garnered first place finishes from Matt Driscoll in the 100 backstroke (48.91), Billy Picht in the 200 butterfly (1:52.08), Bryden Thielenhaus in the 100 butterfly (50.05), and senior Kyle Brill's time of 1:50.78 in the 200 IM.
UP NEXT
The Blue and Gold travel to Cal State Bakersfield for the Bakersfield Invite next week with the women looking to follow up their successful start and the men hoping to secure their first win of the season after a narrow defeat. The meet kicks off Friday, Oct. 11 at noon and continues into Saturday.
