Pepperdine’s Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool was taken over Oct. 22-23 by the Malibu Invitational that hosted almost 10 other university teams in long-distance middle-distance and sprint competition sessions. With several factors playing into the performing abilities of the swimmers the coach and team members were satisfied with the events of the weekend.
Freshman Stephanie Ertl swimming middle and sprint distance races as well as placing in a relay team described some of the challenges they had as a team this weekend.
Ertl explained “It’s still towards the beginning of the season so it wasn’t our best meet but we’re getting there and we’re working really hard. Also this was our first week of weights training so we were kind of broken down.”
Head Coach Nick Rodionoff voiced similar comments about the Invitational and was particularly impressed with the consistency of the new swimmers.
“It’s been a very rewarding weekend Rodionoff said. It’s early so what we’re looking for is the kids swimming solid performances not necessarily super fast. And they’re all doing basically what we expected.”
Among these solid performances was senior Kayleen Hicks who finished first in the 50- and 100-yard breaststroke races right after placing second in the 200-yard breaststroke. Only two seconds shy of her Pepperdine record in the 200 and up against NCAA qualifier competitors Hicks’ high race finishes led her to be the Waves top point scorer in the sprints.
Also earning high marks over the two days was sophomore Madison Krall for high point scoring over the middle and long distance events and the four divers sophomore Klaire Korver juniors Leslie Wade and Kristen Scribner and senior Tiffany Martz who competed Friday morning. Wade said she is pleased with the standings of the divers this early in the season.
“All four of our divers had top 10 showings so we did really well as a team Wade said. Even though it’s really cold out our girls are adapting really well and swimming their strongest. For this point in the season they are looking really good and in shape.”
Physical conditioning is a strong focal point for the team this season. Ertl expressed some personal goals for the remainder of the season that will be heavily dependant on her conditioning consistency.
“I’m looking for some best times this season in my sprint events Ertl said. I think our team is going to do really well at conference once we’re all tapered and rested. We have a great team.”
Beyond their finishing times Coach Rodionoff is impressed with the mental state of the swimmers and the overall cohesiveness of the team.
“The attitude of the kids is good Rodionoff said. That’s a real step forward for a team during a rebuilding year. And the new recruits that came in this year are excited about swimming with their new teammates. Overall it was a good early-season meet.”