ST. GEORGE, Utah – The Pacific men's swimming program claimed the 2025 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championship Saturday night, putting a bow on Pacific's performance at the MPSF Championships at the Human Performance Center Pool.

The Tigers clinched their fourth conference title in program history on the men's side and first since the 2004-05 season, securing a 331-290 advantage over Incarnate Word. The women's squad put together a spirited effort across the four-day meet as well, collecting a third-place finish behind Pepperdine and San Diego.

"This was a true team effort," said head coach Katelyne Herrington, who spearheaded the men's program to a conference title for the first time under her guidance. "We needed everyone to put everything on the line to make it happen. We had to have swimmers step up in events they've never raced before. We had swimmers double up in events. Everyone put their heart and soul on the line to make it happen, especially without diving. 

Senior Mitchell Hopper was a catalyst for the men's efforts, breaking a school record in the men's 200 IM (1:46.19) on the second day of the championships and representing a key member of relay events that pushed the Tigers to the ultimate prize.

"I want to give a huge shout-out to Mitchell Hopper for breaking the 200 IM, winning the 100 free and helping us win in nearly every relay event he was on," Herrington said. "It was a competitive weekend that was electric and want to thank everyone who was cheering us on in St. George and home online. We couldn't have done it without our amazing supporters!"

In total, the Tigers earned 18 first place finishes across all four days, wrapping up the MPSF championships with six first place nods in the finale, which came from graduate student Aidan Scott (200 Back, 1:47.40), Hopper (100 Free, 43.39), senior Paige Sondgeroth (200 Breast, 2:17.41), senior Noemi Melendez (200 Fly, 2:04.75), freshman Javier Lopez Guillen (200 Fly, 1:45.08) and the women's 400 free relay.

Pacific's looks ahead to the National Invitational Championships in Ocala, Florida from March 13-15.

Women's Team Rankings – Final

1. Pepperdine – 853
2. San Diego – 841.50
3. Pacific – 706.50
4. Incarnate Word – 507

Men's Team Rankings – Final

1. Pacific – 331
2. Incarnate Word – 290

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