PRIYA COOPER / SPORTS EDITOR

The USD women’s swim and dive team recently competed in Pasadena, CA at a California Institute of Technology and California Baptist meet. The meet took place on  the  weekend of Oct. 26 and marked multiple successes for the  team. The  meet   was  also  the last of the  regular  season with the remaining competitions over the next  month  being  Invitationals. 

During the combined meet, San Diego swimming split the two matchups, taking down the CalTech  Beavers by  a score of 223 to 74, but  falling to the California Baptist Lancers by a 190 to 107 margin. The meet highlighted   areas   for  improvement in the individual performances as the Toreros approach  tougher  competition in the upcoming invitational season. 

Individually, USD senior Gabrielle Zinis earned a first place finish in the 50 yard freestyle. Meanwhile, Catherine Dueck placed first in the 200 yard individual medley.

The Toreros also exceeded collectively in the team events. In the  relay events, USD  showcased its  strength  and  clinched  first place in the 400-yard freestyle relay, a victory that highlights their speed and teamwork. They also earned a second-place finish in the 200-yard medley relay, rounding out the meet with solid performances across various disciplines. These results are promising for USD as they prepare to face more competitors in the invitational meets ahead.

Looking ahead, USD junior Ava Delany shared the team’s enthusiasm and her own personal goals for the upcoming competitions, the Utah Tech Invite and the Trojan Dive Invite. 

“As a team, we are really excited for our upcoming midseason meet,” Delany said. “We get to travel to Utah Tech for a three day meet, which is really great for team bonding. Personally, I’m hoping this season to get some personal bests and have a strong conference meet.”

Delany’s comments reflect the collective ambition within the team as they  prepare for the high-stakes competitions to come.  In reflecting on her journey with the team, USD senior Camilla Trolle expressed a deep sense of gratitude and pride, noting how her experience has been shaped by a mutual encouragement among her teammates. She highlights the daily motivation that comes from being surrounded by supportive individuals who push each other to excel. 

USD swim and dive will compete in their next invitational beginning on Nov. 21 at Utah Tech. Photo courtesy of Kaila Nguyen

“It is my fourth year on the team, and I am so grateful to be a part of a team that is competitive and pushes  one another to be their best self,” Trolle said. “Walking on the pool deck everyday  and being surrounded by such  loving and supportive girls is the reason I continue to push myself in and out of the water and it has been a surreal experience.”

As the team prepares for an upcoming midseason competition in Utah, Trolle conveyed  her excitement and sense of accomplishment, underscoring her commitment to perform well and to maintain a positive influence within the team

“We are getting ready to compete  at  our   midseason  meet in  Utah  in  a  week,  and  I   could  not  be  more  proud  of  myself or the team’s accomplishment thus far and  cannot   wait  to  race at  such a high level, competitive meet,” Trolle  said.  “I  hope  to  continue  to  be  a  positive   voice on the  team  and  swim  some  season-best  times  to  not only make myself proud, but my team and coaches.”

USD  senior  Shelby  Nicolaisen  discussed   the  sport’s impact on her personal growth and commitment. She emphasized how the intensity of racing strengthens her resolve and fuels her determination. 

“Racing  always   grounds  me  in dedication and the determination to face challenges head on,”  Nicolaisen said. “Especially as I head into my last  few months as a swimmer, I am more driven then ever  to  give  everything   in  the  pool for myself and for my teammates that continue to make swimming something  I   am  passionate about.”

The team will next compete at the Utah Tech Invite, held in St. George, Utah, from Thursday, Nov. 21, to Saturday, Nov. 23. USD sophomore Claudia Dumais shared her goals  going  into  the  next  meet.

“We  have  a  great  season ahead, and I am looking forward to getting some best times,” Dumais said.  “Also, excited for our midseason meet in Utah next weekend!”

This invitational will be a great opportunity for the Toreros are positioned to finish the season with confidence and determination before picking up again in the winter season which starts in  January , as there  is only one meet in December.

USD swim competes at the Caltech and California Baptist meet. Photo courtesy of @sky_sky0413/Instagram