2025 UCSB Invite
- January 31 – February 1, 2025
- Santa Barbara, Calif.
- SCY (25 yards)
- Results
Courtesy: UCSB Athletics
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Swim team made a splash at the UC Santa Barbara Invite, delivering a dominant performance across multiple events at Dos Pueblos High School’s Elings Aquatic Center.
Relay Strength Leads the Way
The Gauchos set the tone early with commanding wins in both the men’s and women’s 400-yard medley relays. The men’s A-team finished first in 3:12.31, while the women’s A-team clocked 3:46.32 for the victory.
In the sprint relays, UCSB’s women captured gold in the 200-yard medley relay with a 1:43.31 finish, while the men’s A-team showcased their speed, touching in at 1:25.94. The Gauchos capped the meet with a decisive win in the men’s 800-yard freestyle relay (6:40.37).
Freestyle Prowess
In distance freestyle, Isabella Martinez-Spencer led the way in the women’s 1650-yard freestyle, taking the win in 17:06.76. On the men’s side, Taber daCosta put on a stellar performance, clocking 15:17.37 to secure the top spot in the mile.
Mason Wendler secured a victory in the men’s 500-yard freestyle (4:28.39), while Sophie Ryan (4:57.68) and Samantha Banos (4:54.68) posted strong finishes in the women’s event.
Sprint freestyle was another stronghold for UCSB, with Alexi Zuckerman (23.16) and Matt Driscoll (20.62) leading the way in the 50-yard freestyle events.
Versatile Victories in IM and Stroke Events
The Gauchos displayed their versatility in the individual medley, with Lucy Huang winning the women’s 200 IM in 2:03.98 and Austin Sparrow taking the men’s event in 1:45.09. Kyle Brill dominated the 400 IM with a 3:45.46 finish.
In the 100-yard butterfly, Samantha Banos (54.53) and Austin Sparrow (47.43) added wins to UCSB’s tally. The women’s 100-yard breaststroke saw Ashley Ray lead the charge with a 1:01.26 finish, while Jonah Lee clocked 54.61 to win the men’s race.
In the backstroke events, CoCo Quill (54.84) and William Cussimanio (49.56) each secured wins in the 100-yard distance.
Gauchos on Top
With numerous event victories and depth across the roster, UCSB made a definitive statement at their home invitational, showcasing the team’s strength as they prepare for postseason competition.
UP NEXT
The Gauchos will now prepare for The Big West Swim & Dive Championships that will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 12 and continue through Saturday, Feb. 15.
