FAIRBANKS, Alaska – For four straight seasons, the Azusa Pacific swimmers have traveled to the nation's northern most major city; for the first time they are returning south with a pair of dual meet wins.
After beating Alaska on Friday evening, the Cougars turned around less than 24 hours to tally a 106-99 win against the Nanooks on Saturday afternoon. In the previous three trips Azusa Pacific had either split on been swept.
QUOTABLE: "We battled well this weekend," senior Alyse Darnall said. "It is a really tough trip to come here and compete so to fly home with a pair of wins is extra special. We have to build on the momentum this weekend created."
NUMBER ONE STATUS AGAIN: For the second consecutive day, Rosalee Mira Santa Ana and Elodie Poo Cheong posted a pair of first-place finishes. Combined the duo scored 36 team points in their individual events.
Santa Ana did her damage in the long distance freestyle events. She started her meet by winning the 1650 freestyle competition with a time of 17:54.54. The senior took the lead from the start and never relented. The story was similar in the 500 freestyle as she cruised to victory with a time of 5:13.84.
Poo Cheong had to battle for her wins in the sprints. During the 50 freestyle she touched the wall in 24.62 which was just .02 seconds faster than Martha Hood from Alaska. In the 100 freestyle the junior slowly nudged ahead to post a winning time of 53.19.
TEAM EFFORT: The Cougar depth was also key as they swept the weekend set from their counterparts from the Great White North.
Abigail Wiet posted a win in the 400 IM with a time of 4:43.11. The junior led from the get-go and continued to build her lead as she won by a few body lengths. Wiet notched a runner-up finish in the 200 backstroke (2:12.51) to earn 13 team points.
Emily Rigsby notched a pair of second-place tallies. The first-year touched the wall in 1:59.70 in the 200 freestyle before posting a 2:16.15 during the 200 butterfly.
RELAY PERFORMANCES: Azusa Pacific finished second in the two relay competitions. To open the meet the 200 medley squad of Darnall, Rachel Wasko, Angel Van Hofwegen and Baillie Carroll touched the wall in 1:56.42.
The meet came to a close as Poo Cheong, Rigsby, Monet Favreau and Santa Ana complete the 400 freestyle in 3:40.56
CORNORSTONE CUP/SENIOR DAY: The Cougars host their lone home meet next as they welcome Biola to Slauson Pool on Saturday, Nov. 4. The squad will recognize its seniors as well as compete for 10 points in the Cornerstone Cup standings.
