Waves dominate Matadors

GREG BARNETT
Sports Editor

The Pepperdine swimming and diving team won its first of two dual meets of the season over California State University at Northridge on Saturday afternoon. The visiting Waves took first in 11 of 14 events on the way to a 108-point victory, 184-76.

“We competed well against Northridge,” Head Coach Nick Rodionoff said. “Our times weren’t great but we’re getting back on track after break.”

Three of the Waves posted first-place times in two events. Senior Loriann Mark grabbed first-place honors in the 500-yard freestyle (5:13.85) and also took the 1000-yard freestyle (10:46.39).

Senior Ali McLeod claimed wins in the 100-yard backstroke (1:00.70) and the 100-yard butterfly (58.62). Junior Haley Wilson took the 200-yard freestyle with a season best time (1:57.62) and also the 100-yard freestyle (55.16).

“I worked really hard over Christmas break,” Mark said. “It paid off and I’m looking forward to going faster at conference.”

Junior Michelle Fadley, who took second in the 200-yard butterfly (2:15.87) and third in the 200-yard individual medley (2:16.57), said the team showed a big improvement from the week before and her team members were supportive of one another throughout the meet.

“There was a lot of cheering for each other because it was a short meet,” she said. “We had to keep each other motivated and focused.”

Other first-place winners in individual events included sophomore Dani Kimmel, who captured the 100-yard breaststroke (1:07.15). Freshman Franny Cyphers claimed the 200-yard butterfly (2:13.05) and sophomore Ali Chester won the 200-yard backstroke (2:15.57).

The Waves also captured both relay events, with the team of Wilson, Cyphers, Kimmel, and Mcleod winning the 200-yard medley (1:50.33). The team of sophomore Brianna Blanchard, freshman Jenna Sheeley, McLeod and Mark claimed victory in the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:43.76).

The Waves are back in the pool Jan. 26 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in their final dual meet of the year.

01-17-2008