Westmont Swim hosted its first home meet of the year, welcoming the Cougars of Azusa Pacific to the Tom and Meg Names Aquatic Center for a dual meet.
While the Cougars won by a score of 140-101, Westmont’s head coach Jill Lin was enthusiastic about her team’s performance.
“The Warriors stepped up today and pushed through a really tough dual meet,” said Lin. “Our mid-season meet was a week later than normal with Thanksgiving being so late. The team had all of Thanksgiving week off of training and we had a pretty grueling week building back up prior to the meet.
“I knew they were going to be sore and tired, so I really emphasized racing and not worrying about the times. We definitely lost a few close races, but I was proud of the effort they put out and the grit they showed fighting through those races.”
Before the final relay, the Warriors honored three seniors for their contributions to the Westmont swim program – Olivia Garrison, Emma Diehl and Jackie Kortenhoeven. A fourth senior, Hannah DeSoto, was celebrated last year on Senior Day.
“It was really special honoring our seniors for their commitment to our team,” expressed Lin. “They have all left our team in a better place than they found it. It was Hannah and Emma’s last meet and it was really sweet to see everyone cheering them on for their final races as collegiate swimmers.
“I’m so grateful for all of them for giving all they had to selflessly love and encourage their teammates. It’s hard to put into words all the millions of ways they have impacted our team. They are incredibly special and incredibly inspiring.
“Our seniors really stepped up today and had some great races.”
Garrison finished third in the 500 yard freestyle (5:26.51), third in the 100 yard individual medley (1:06.05), and second in the 200 yard freestyle.
Diehl finished third in the 50 yard freestyle (26.16), fourth in the 100 yard butterfly (1:03.25), and fourth in the 100 yard freestyle. She also competed in both relays.
“Hannah had a second place finish in the 100 yard backstroke (1:05.31), which was a great way to end her swimming career,” pointed out Lin.
It wasn’t just seniors in the pool for the Warriors, however.
“Emma Bustamante had some great races and Kate Spraul did a great job winning her heat in the 500 yard freestyle (5:23.55) and staying ahead the entire race.
Bustamante finished third in the 100 yard butterfly (1:02.85) and second in the 50 yard breaststroke (33.90).
Next week, the Warriors will complete final examinations before four swimmers take a long trip for a long race.
“Kate, Olivia, Emma Robinson, and Grace McAnear head to Miami for the CSCAA Open Water National Championship for another shot at the 5,000 meter open water race,” explained Lin. “They have been training so hard for this grueling race and I’m excited to see what they can do.”