January 2, 2008

UC Santa Cruz Swim Team Sweeps 1st Annual Cal Lutheran Winter Invitational

THOUSAND OAKS, CA -- Both Slug Men and Women’s teams dominated a field which included Whitworth University, Pacific Lutheran University, Cal Lutheran University, and Fresno Pacific University.  The meet was an important one as it marked the only time this season the Slugs face Division III Competition outside of NCAAs.

Senior Kenton Drake was the standout swimmer of the meet winning three events. He took the 100 free (48.67), 100 breast (1:00.95) and the 200 breast (2:13.51).  He was also a member of the winning 400 medley relay (3:42.42).  Sophomore Yutaro Sano had the swim of the meet for the men with a season best time in the 100 fly (54.82).  Winter Quarter transfer Nick Vasquez joined the slugs for the first time this season.  He finished in the top 5 in both breaststroke events.  The only other victory for the slugs came from Senior Troy Marcikic in the 50 free (22.13).

On the women’s side, the slugs swept the breaststroke and backstroke events.  Freshman Kate O’Niell won the 100 breast (1:11.35) and Senior Captain Erin Hunter won the 200 breast (2:28.39).  In the backstrokes, freshman Stephanie Luu took the 100 back (1:04.14) and Senior Melissa Anstett won the 200 back (2:16.60).  Freshman Ari Crocker stated “the team’s performance exceeded my expectations based on the conditions and the training that we have been doing.”

The slugs now return to Santa Cruz where they finish off the second week of training camp.  Their next meet is at home against Fresno Pacific on Saturday, January 5th.

 (Click Here for Full Results)

Female Team Scores

 Place  School  Points

 1  UC Santa Cruz  UCSC  679

 2  Whitworth University  WHTW  498.50

 3  California Lutheran University  CLU  290.50

 4  Fresno Pacific Univ  FPU  233

 5  Pacific Lutheran Univ  PLU  191

 Total  1,896.00

 Male Team Scores

 Place  School  Points

 1  UC Santa Cruz  UCSC  673

 2  Whitworth University  WHTW  417

 3  Fresno Pacific Univ  FPU  345.50

 4  California Lutheran University  CLU  257.50

 5  Pacific Lutheran Univ  PLU  237

 Total  1,930.00