The UC Santa Barbara Men’s and Women’s Swim teams delivered a commanding performance Friday evening, securing a dominant victory over Cal Poly. The women’s team finished with an impressive 168.50 points, while the men’s team earned 166 points, resulting in a comprehensive 92-point lead over the Mustangs and a well-deserved victory.
The women’s team had a remarkable season opener, claiming victory in the first race and achieving several first-place finishes throughout the evening. The 200 medley relay team, consisting of Hazel Derr, Ashley Ray, Lena Li, and Hannah Joseph, kicked off the meet with a resounding win, completing the relay in 1:45.78. Derr continued her outstanding performance, securing first place in the 100 (57.81) and 200 backstroke (2:04.54). Ray took the top spot in the 100 breaststroke (1:05.03), while Joseph demonstrated her prowess by clinching first place in the 50 (24.08) and 100 freestyle (52.62).
The women’s team maintained their dominance in the pool, with several swimmers achieving first-place finishes. Silvia Faraboschi triumphed in the 200 breaststroke (2:21.70), and Samantha Banos clinched the top position in three events: the 200 freestyle (1:53.89), the 200 butterfly (2:02.21), and the 100 butterfly (56.05).
The men’s team matched the women’s performance, claiming first place in the 200 relay (1:30.89) with a team comprised of Matthew Driscoll, Corban McIntosh, Bryden Thielenhaus, and Zachary Tamusaitis. Driscoll also dominated in the 100 backstroke (49.72), while McIntosh emerged victorious in both the 100 (56.35) and 200 breaststroke (2:04.14). Tamusitis added to the first place wins in the 100 butterfly (50.11).
Other noteworthy first-place finishes for the men came from Kyle Brill, Taber daCosta, and Austin Sparrow. Brill showcased his skills in the 200 backstroke (1:49.93), daCosta excelled in the long-distance freestyle events with victories in the 1000 freestyle (9:26.60) and the 500 freestyle (4:37.27), while Austin Sparrow had a spectacular performance with three first-place finishes in the 50 (20.71), the 100 (45.45), and the 200 freestyle (1:39.01).
Looking ahead, the Gauchos will head south to Los Angeles to participate in the USC Invite on October 13th and 14th.
