2024 UCSB Invite
- February 2-3, 2024
- Santa Barbara, Calif.
- SCY (25 yards)
- Results
Courtesy: UCSB Athletics
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.
Courtesy: Pepperdine Athletics
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Pepperdine swimming and diving program concluded the regular season competition slate at the UCSB Invite this evening.
MEET RECAP
The UCSB Invite featured three Division I schools: Pepperdine, UCSB and Pacific. The meet was not scored.
FRIDAY
In a shortened first evening of the UCSB Invite, Jordyn Larson (Sacramento, Calif./St. Francis HS) posted the best time of the day for the Waves in the 500 free with a time of 5:12.29. Jessica Calderoni (Los Altos, Calif./Sacred Heart Preparatory) earned the best time of the day for Pepperdine in the 200 IM and 50 free as she notched a time of 2:13.33 and 24.84 in the respective events.
SATURDAY
In the morning session, Calderoni also clocked the best time for the Waves in the 100 fly as she swam the event in 59.03. She also posted the best time of the day for the Waves in the 200 fly as she earned a time of 2:10.97 in the event. Larson continued her strong weekend as she finished the 200 free in 1:55.60, which was the best time for a Pepperdine swimmer today. She also earned the best time of the day for the Waves in the 1650 free as she swam the event in 17:59.25. Maddie McLeay (Omaha, Neb./Millard North HS) earned the best time of the day for the Waves in the 100 breast as she earned a time of 1:07.51. Eleanor Mashkovich (Calabasas, Calif./Westlake HS) clocked a time of 53.83 in the 100 free, good for the best time of the day for Pepperdine.
QUOTABLES
“The Waves wrapped a successful weekend in Santa Barbara,” head coach Ellie Monobe said. “Improvement was seen across the field after racing some tough conference opponents, which reinforces the hard work that these athletes have put in this season. I’m looking forward to another weekend of racing as we round out the season in a couple weeks.”
NEXT UP
Pepperdine’s divers will head to Mission Viejo, Calif. to compete in the MPSF Championships February 12-14.
Courtesy: Pacific Athletics
GOLETA, Calif- Pacific men’s and women’s swim took to the pool for one day of UC Santa Barbara’s two-day invite seeking higher seed times and new bests in anticipation of the MPSF Conference Championship at the end of February.
The Tigers opened the meet with a second place finish in the women’s 400 medley relay. Diana Chan, Paige Sondgeroth, Caitlin Tan and Alexia Ferguson clocked a 3:48.83, the second fastest time seen in the event this year. The men took third with a 3:24.08.
Junior Jordyn Gonzales raced her second fastest time this season in the 500 free. Her 5:12.73 was good for an eighth place finish. Junior Kelly Kermoian swam a 2:12.92 in the 200 fly for a new season best. Junior Ellie Macphail earned a season best in the 200 back, clocking a 2:08.92.
In the 200 free, freshman Patty Torres finished with a 1:55.04 for a new season best. Freshman Amanda Schweichler clocked a 1:56.59, dropping 1.28 seconds for a new season best.
Senior Aidan Scott raced a 1:40.47 in the 200 free, a time just .04 seconds short of his personal best.
Sophomore Annelise Thomas raced to a new personal best 25.26 in the 50 free, dropping 1.84 seconds from her seeded time.
Senior Iona Pascual clocked a 21.84 for the eighth fastest time of the day in the 50 free and a new personal best.
Pacific ended with the 400 free relays, where the women took fourth with a 3:36.66 and the men finished second with a 3:03.91.
The Tigers return Saturday, Feb. 3 against Cal Poly for their final meet of the regular season.
