Results
HAYWARD, Calif. – In the final home meet of the regular season Cal State East Bay nearly missed on upsetting Division I Nevada, 134-115. Seniors
Caitlin DeNise and
Rachel Knowles were recognized in pre-meet ceremonies as each competed at Pioneer Pool for the final time.
"This was a great meet. We had a lot of excellent swimming against a strong Division I team," said East Bay Head Coach
Ben Loorz. "I was particularly pleased with our relays, which swam very close, percentage-wise, to the times they achieved when rested-and-suited in December."
DeNise was victorious in her final individual event outlasting the field in the 100 fly (58.27). She won the 50 free (23.94) and also led off the winning 200 free relay squad to close out the meet. She scored 22 individual points and was a part of 15 on relays. Knowles finished third in the 100 breast (1:09.73) and fourth in the 200 breast (2:30.72) scoring five individual points for the Pioneers.
Cal State East Bay led Nevada through seven events and at the first break in the action. The Pioneers held a modest 62-59 lead at that juncture highlighted by individual event wins from
Rachel Shimizu in the 1,650 free (18:01.10) and
Courtney Schwiesow in the 100 breast (1:07.04).
Hannah Cutts completed a 1-2 finish for the Pioneers earning 13 points early on in the meet.
"Hannah and Rachel (Shimizu) had stand-out performances in the mile today," praised Loorz of his distance swimmers. "Our top sprinters were indomitable."
Nevada took the lead after the ensuing 100 free following Sita Kusserow's event win. The Wolfpack reeled off four straight event wins building an insurmountable lead late in the meet.
Yawen Li had a flawless afternoon winning the 200 free (1:54.82), 200 back (2:06.67) and as a member of the winning 400-yard medley relay team to open Friday's action.
Cal State East Bay (5-5) focus on preparing for the Pacific Coast Swim Conference (PCSC) Championships starting on Wednesday, Feb. 12, in La Mirada.
"Many of the East Bay women swam very close to the 'red line' today, and that is a very positive achievement to have as we look forward to Conference Championships in 18 days."
