MONTEREY PARK, Calif. – As we reach the halfway point of the meet, the Cougars are in a strong position, sitting in 2nd place with 592 points. The team's performance has been impressive so far, and there's an electric energy as they head into the final two days of competition.

There have been several standout performances contributing to the team's success. Junior diver Allison Ferrer secured 3rd place in the 3-meter diving competition, maintaining her impressive form throughout the meet. Reflecting on the experience, Ferrer shared, "It's been incredible to see everything come together for this meet and show everyone how strong of a team we are as a whole. It's been a tough season for a lot of us, but we have overcome so much and are ready to dominate." 

In the lanes, Sydnee Wilson, Ellie Sivesind, Gillian Sato, and Hannah Swailes secured 3rd place in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Senior Hannah Swailes reflected on the team's success and the positive atmosphere, saying, "The team did great today, and the energy was good. It's nice to be a part of a team that's able to be silly and have fun while also staying focused on their races. I know I'm mainly focused on trying to have a good time and cheer on my teammates, as it's my last conference meet! I'm so proud of everyone and being able to see all their hard work pay off!"

Individually, Aleena Herrera earned 3rd place in the 400-yard IM and also achieved the NCAA "B" Cut, while Montana White took 1st place in the 200-yard freestyle, earning the NCAA "B" Cut as well. The Cougars continued to showcase their strength in relays, with Marci Yanagawa, Courtney Jane Seljeseth, Mikaela Maemura, and Montana White finishing 2nd in the 400-yard Medley Relay. Additionally, five athletes set personal best times today, bringing the total to eight best times so far in the meet.

Head Coach Tim Kyle expressed confidence in the team's future performances, stating, "Another strong day of swimming and diving! Our first two days of competition have set us up to be super successful if we can carry the momentum. Looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish tomorrow!"
 
 Meet Results: 
3 Meter Diving
3. Allison Ferrer – 356.95  27 PTS 
6. Madison Schneider – 244.24 (PR)  24 PTS 

200 Yard Freestyle Relay
3. Sydnee Wilson, Ellie Sivesind, Gillian Sato, and Hannah Swailes – 1:35.88  54 PTS 

100 Yard Butterfly
6. Mikaela Maemura – 56.73  24 PTS 
10. Ashley Cochran – 58.12 (PR)  17 PTS 
18. Marcelina Halawczak – 58.46  7 PTS 

400 Yard IM
3. Aleena Herrera – 4:28.33  27 PTS   NCAA "B" Cut 
5. Angelica Benitez – 4:32.97 (PR)  25 PTS 
9. Alexandra Szolnoki – 4:32.88 (PR)  20 PTS 
15. Adelle Brush – 4:39.97  12 PTS 

200 Yard Freestyle
1. Montana White – 1:49.10  32 PTS   NCAA "B" Cut 
10. Kya Guikema – 1:53.48  17 PTS 
14. Hannah Swailes – 1:56.14 (PR)  13 PTS 
27. Ellie Sivesind – 1:57.03
58. Riley Lawler – 2:08.08

400 Yard Medley Relay
2. Marci Yanagawa, Courtney Jane Seljeseth, Mikaela Maemura, and Montana White – 3:46.83  56 PTS 

Looking ahead, tomorrow's events will include the 500-yard freestyle, 100-yard backstroke, 100-yard breaststroke, 200-yard butterfly, 200-yard medley relay, and the 1-meter dive.