MONTEREY PARK, Calif. - The 2023 Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference Championships began Wednesday at East Los Angeles College Swim Stadium. The Cal State East Bay women's swim team found early success in the four-day meet, as
Miya French finished first in the 1000 yard freestyle.
French, by winning the 1000 yard freestyle, became the PCSC Champion in the event, as her first place finish was completed in the finals heat in 10 minutes, 21.03 seconds.
Not far behind French was
Emilie Giannini, who finished fourth with a time of 10:28.12.
The 1000 yard freestyle was the only individual event run on Wednesday.
Two relay events for women's swimming took place Wednesday. Below is a summary of action for the Pioneers in the relay events.
- Cal State East Bay had a third place finish in the 200 yard medley relay, with a time of 1:45.05. The third place team included Monica Beltran, Tori Padilla, Emma Knott and Delaney Carlson.
- In the 800 yard freestyle relay final, the Pioneers were disqualified by way of a false start.
Cal State East Bay head coach
Shane Pelton following the first day of the PCSC Championships:
"At conference championships or any big meets you are looking for that spark to get the team rolling. Tonight that spark came from both Miya and Emilie. Both women attacked their races and put themselves into a position where they could be successful. Miya was trailing for 950 yards, but put her hand on that wall first with a huge last 50. That's racing! It was huge swim for not only her but her entire team."
Pelton added:
"Championship meets are roller coaster rides of emotion. We got hit with our first setback [800 free relay was disqualified for false start], but it happens and you need to bounce back from it. I have no doubt that these women will put this slight setback in the rearview mirror tomorrow and use it as motivation. It's a new day and they are going to be ready to bring the fire!"
The second day of the PCSC Championships take place Thursday, as the Pioneers and the rest of the competition return to ELAC Swim Stadium. Preliminary individual swimming heats begin at 9:30 a.m. with the finals heats and relay session starting at 5 p.m.
