SANTA BARBARA, Calif.: Following two days filled with exhilarating races, intense competition, and heartfelt senior send-offs, the curtains have closed on the annual UC Santa Barbara Invite. While this meet did not include official final scores, the meet still recorded final times and race winners. The Gauchos delivered a stellar performance, as swimmers spanning from freshmen to seniors claimed an array of impressive first-place victories.

Women's First Place Wins
The women's team showcased outstanding speed and determination, dominating the competition with several golden finishes. Freshman Eugenie Lanilis was the first to strike, displaying her skill by clinching 1st place in both the 50-yard freestyle with an impressive time of 23.53 and the 100-yard freestyle at 50.79. Senior Paige Gambetta followed Lanilis's performance, excelling in the the 200-yard freestyle, securing another 1st place victory with a time of 1:50.86. Annie Andres dominated the 500 yard freestyle, outpacing the competition in 4:55.18, while Hazel Derr showcased her classic speed in the backstroke events with first place finishes in the 100 yard backstroke (55.63) and 200 backstroke (2:01.30). Enya Linson conquered the 200-yard breaststroke in 2:15.39, Samantha Banos soared through the 100 butterfly in 54.31 and the 200 butterfly in 1:59.58, and Michelle Tekawy showcased her versatility in the 200-yard IM with a time of 2:03.94. Linson also dominated the 400 yard IM, clocking in at 4:25.07. 

The women's relay events showcased remarkable success, as the team triumphed in the 200, 400, and 800 freestyle relays, along with the 200 medley relay. The 200 relay team, composed of Eugenie Lanilis, Gretta Callison, Hazel Derr, and Samantha Banos, set the winning tone with a swift victory in 1:33.74. Following suit, the 400 relay team, featuring Lanilis and Callison alongside additions Annie Andres and Paige Gambetta, secured another triumph in 3:27.43. The 800 relay team, composed of Kristen Bartlett, Annie Andres, Hazel Derr, and Samantha Banos, demonstrated their prowess with a first-place finish in 7:28.24. Lastly, the 200 medley relay, comprising Lannilis, Ashley Ray, Tyryn Empremsilapa, and Hannah Joseph, clinched victory in 1:42.91, further solidifying the team's outstanding relay performances

Men's Top Tier Finishes
The men's team also had an excellent weekend, taking the first place spot in over 16 events. Junior Matt Driscoll got the ball rolling with a commanding sprint in the 50 yard freestyle relay with an impressive time of 20.41, and showcased his versatility with a victory in the 200 backstroke with a final time of 1:47.80. Austin Sparrow was a standout this weekend, dominating the freestyle events claiming 1st place in the 100-yard freestyle (43.52) and the 500-yard freestyle (4:25.98), while also conquering the 100 breaststroke in 54.50. Sophomore Matt Vinh displayed endurance and skill, securing victory in the grueling 1650 freestyle with a time of 15:51.68, while William Cussimanio showcased his agility with 1st place finishes in the 100-yard backstroke (51.56) and the 100 butterfly (48.82). Senior Corban McIntosh excelled in the 200-yard breaststroke, securing victory in 1:58.14, and Billy Picht soared through the 200 butterfly with a winning time of 1:49.13. Kyle Brill showcased his prowess in both individual medleys, claiming 1st place in the 200 IM (1:47.14) and the 400-yard IM (3:51.30). 

The men's relay teams mirrored the women's success, grabbing 1st place in the 400 and 800 freestyle relays and the 200 medley relay. Plus, they added another win in the 400 medley relay for an extra touch of victory. In the 400-yard freestyle relay, the quartet of Austin Sparrow, Aiden Benjamin, Rob Carpenter, and Zachary Tamusaitis dominated the pool, clinching 1st place with an impressive time of 3:02.08. The 800-yard freestyle relay saw Sparrow, Jude Distefano, Owen Berry, and Kyle Brill combining their strengths seamlessly to secure another victory in 6:36.51. The 200-yard medley relay, led by Matt Driscoll, alongside Henry Adamson, Zachary Tamusaitis, and Austin Sparrow, demonstrated exceptional teamwork and speed, claiming victory in a swift 1:30.34. The men's team rounded off their relay successes with the 400 medley relay, featuring Jack Nugent, Shogo Moridaira, Jack Gillespie, and Connor Martilla finishing in 3:20.35. 

Senior Ceremonies 
In addition to the impressive swims, Saturday's event included a heartwarming ceremony to honor Gaucho seniors. One by one, the seniors stepped forward, sharing a bit about themselves and their time with the team. The cheers from teammates and snapshots with coaches made the moment even more special. The genuine love for each senior resonated in the crowd, creating a spirited atmosphere filled with enthusiastic cheers from both the audience and younger swimmers.

What's Next? 
The Gauchos will be back in the pool on February 21st through February 24th, to compete in the MPSF Championships in St.George, Utah. More information regarding the Championships will be available in the coming weeks.