LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The Tigers head to the championships looking to improve on last year's team finishes when the women placed sixth of seven teams, and the men were fifth of five.

"We have learned how to face and overcome adversity, making the best out of any situation," said Head Coach Katelyne Herrington. "I am so proud of this group and what they have overcome. I'm looking forward to them competing since we had to give up so many competitions due to COVID-19. These athletes love to race, and I see all their hard work they give, day in and day out."

"I'm looking forward to seeing a ton of fast swimming from the team and representing Pacific for one last time," said senior Lauren Geiger.

Senior David Noyes is the top returning place winner on the men's side. He finished seventh in the 100-yard fly at last year's MPSF Championships.

"What I'm most looking forward to going into MPSF is having one last wave of fast swims to end my last swim season," said Noyes. "All the work my team and I have put in through this challenging year will pay off. For my family, I want to thank you for being by my side on this journey, and I'm ready to end it on a high note for you guys."

On the women's side, it's senior Kelsey Lloyd, who was third in the 200-yard breaststroke a year ago. But those aren't the only two names to watch for.

"Dylan Parente has continued to perform well all season, posting a lifetime best in the 50 Free during our senior meet just a few weeks ago," said Herrington. "Caitlin Tan, seeded 5th in the 100 fly, will compete for the first time at the MPSF Conference Championships."

The championship field is now nine women's programs and seven men's. BYU, who has won five men's titles, and Hawaii, winners of six straight women's championships, are the favorites.

In addition to the Tigers, the women's field includes Hawaii, BYU, UC Davis, UCSB, Cal Poly, CSU Bakersfield, UC San Diego and San Diego. The men's field includes BYU, Hawaii, UCSB, CSU Bakersfield, UC San Diego, Cal Poly, and Pacific.

Looking back on their season, Pacific athletes recall their favorite memories.

"My favorite memory from this season was grinding through practices with my teammates," said Noyes. "Being able to motivate and be motivated by them is always a thrill, and being able to push my teammates to do their best in training is something I've loved."

Geiger's favorite memory was a little more specific. "My favorite memory from this season was beating San Jose State back in October."

Geiger says the team is ready to make a splash at the championships. "The women and men of the Pacific Swim and Dive team are hungry and ready to make a statement."
 

There are a variety of ways to follow along with the championships:

Website: https://mpsports.org/index.aspx

Live Video: https://mpsports.org/watch

(Subscription-based for swim only, no dive video available.)

Live Results:

Mobile Meet App: http://www.active.com/mobile/meet-mobile-app

(The app is free to download, but there is a small fee to see the information. Updates will be close to real-time and include psych sheets, preliminary times and records.)

Follow Us:

 For more information and updates on the Pacific Women's and Men's Swimming and Diving Team, please follow the team on Twitter (@uopswimanddive) and Instagram (@uopswimanddive).