MONTEREY PARK, Calif. - The Cougars had a strong start to the conference meet, finishing Day 1 in second place with 237 points, just 24 points behind first-place Cal State East Bay. Senior captain Montana White led the way, taking first place in the 1000-yard freestyle with an NCAA "B" Cut and helping the 800-yard freestyle relay team secure first place and an NCAA provisional cut. "It was such a great way to start my last-ever conference, and I am overjoyed to bring a relay team to nationals once again! We had some really great swims, and there's a lot more to come in the next few days. I think the energy on the deck is what sets us apart from the rest!" said White, who also earned 32 individual points on the day. 

The Cougars also saw strong individual performances from Aleena Herrera and Sydnee Wilson. Herrera earned third place in the 200-yard IM, while Wilson claimed second place in the 50-yard freestyle, also hitting an NCAA "B" Cut. Wilson, who made her PCSC conference debut, expressed her excitement: "Our team had great energy today. Everyone was super supportive, and we started the meet off really well! I'm so excited for the next couple of days to see what we can accomplish!" Additionally, three Cougars set personal best times, showcasing the growth and talent within the team.

On the diving front, Allison Ferrer and Madison Schneider both qualified for the finals on the 3-meter board, further contributing to the team's strong start. Head Coach Tim Kyle praised the team's performance, saying, "Our team had a solid start to the meet, both on the boards and in the pool. The 800 free relay was especially exciting! Taking first place in the relay and making the provisional cut time for the NCAA National meet was a big achievement! This was one of the races we thought we could do really well in. There were many strong individual swims tonight that have put us in a good place heading into tomorrow. Today was a good day to be a Cougar!"

Looking ahead, the Cougars are set to compete in the 100-yard butterfly, 400-yard IM, 200-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle relay, and 400-yard medley relay tomorrow.

 Meet Results: 
1000 Yard Freestyle
1. Montana White - 10:10.17  32 PTS   NCAA "B" Cut 
5. Kya Guikema - 10:28.77  25 PTS 
6. Alexandra Szolnoki - 10:30.24  24 PTS 
30. Riley Lawler - 11:12.15
 
200 Yard IM
3. Aleena Herrera - 2:05.54 (PR)  27 PTS 
9. Angelica Benitez - 2:05.52  20 PTS 
13. Courtney Jane Seljeseth - 2:09.10  14 PTS 
22. Marci Yanagawa - 2:11.80  3 PTS 
27. Adelle Brush - 2:12.51
28. Hannah Swailes - 2:13.11 (PR)
35. Marcelina Halawczak - 2:15.67
 
50 Yard Freestyle
2. Sydnee Wilson - 23.41 (PR)  28 PTS   NCAA "B" Cut 
32. Hannah Swailes - 24.68
36. Gillian Sato - 24.77
37. Ellie Sivesind - 24.78
56. Courtney Jane Seljeseth - 25.54
 
800 Yard Freestyle Relay
1. Sydnee Wilson, Mikaela Maemura, Aleena Herrera, and Montana White - 7:26.22  64 PTS   NCAA PROVO