Final Results (PDF)

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay women's swim team opened the 2015-16 season on Friday afternoon with several strong performances during a victory over Mills College. 

"This was an early effort for us, with everyone competing in several events," said head coach Ben Loorz. "It was really our first chance to see the newcomers swim across several disciplines and distances. I was perhaps most pleased with the diversity among our top performers. We had several different event winners today, including four freshmen. This wasn't a surprise based on what we knew the freshmen to be capable of on paper, but it is very encouraging to see it materialize."

The Pioneers were impressive in all areas against Mills, notching victories in all 14 events. The upperclassmen led the way, with junior Madison Hauanio and senior Rachel Shimizu shining in the season-opening meet.

Hauaunio captured the 200 backstroke with a time of 2:05.59, an outstanding pace for an early-season swim. She also won the 200 butterfly, posting a time of 2:16.33. Hauanio, Makila Schuck, Cassidy Humphrey, and Alyssa Littlefield claimed victory in 400 medley relay in 4:03.01. 

Hauanio also combined with Hannah Cutts, Annalena Assaiante, and Jacqueline Whitehead for a victory in the 400 freestyle relay with a time of 3:43.40. That foursome edged out teammates Vivy Hua, Kameron Isaacs, Kayleigh Davidson, and Shimizu, who finished in 3:44.12.

Shimizu was outstanding individually in the distance races, far out-pacing the field in both the 500 freestyle (5:13.80) and the 1,000 freestyle (10:44.15). 

"We did a nice job in some of the tougher events today," Loorz added. "Five women went sub-2:20 in the 200 butterfly, and Rachel Shimizu threw down a very impressive time in the 1000 freestyle."

Humphrey captured the 200 freestyle in 1:58.83, and she finished second in the 100 freestyle to Littlefield, who touched the wall in 54.46. Hua took the sprint title with a 50 freestyle time of 25.34. 

Freshman Miranda McDonnell captured victories in both the 100 backstroke (1:02.16) and the 100 butterfly (1:00.41). Schuck led a group of four Pioneers in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:09.32, while Claire Beaty claimed the 200 breaststroke in 2:30.32. 

Freshman Rita Gomez won the 200 individual medley, notching a time of 2:15.39 to edge out fellow newcomer Laurel Carpenter (2:16.69). 

"Mills always hosts a great meet," Loorz noted. "We are excited to return there in two weeks for a larger invitational with several teams from the PCSC in attendance."

Next up for the Pioneers, the Bay Area Invitational is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24 back at Mills College.