TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University men's and women's swimming teams are hopping into the pool for the first time this fall in a non-conference showdown against Division I opponent Seattle University on Friday.

The Lutes had strong finishes to their seasons last year, with the women's team placing second at the Northwest Conference Championships and the men's team placing fourth in the conference. The women sent an athlete on to the NCAA Championships, with now-sophomore Kaycee Simpson competing in the 200-yard individual medley, 200-yard butterfly, and 200-yard breaststroke at nationals.

As they turn into the 2018-19 season, the Lutes are looking to continue their growth towards increased domination in the conference. With only four seniors, the women's team has the chance to develop their group for the next few years in addition to the current season.  The men's team is in a similar place, with five seniors and a fresh crop of new Lutes to bring to the pool.

In this preseason competition, the Lutes have a challenge ahead of them. The Seattle University Redhawks are coming off of successful 2017/18 seasons, with a crop of newly broken records under the belts of their returning athletes on both the men and women's teams.  The Lutes will have to bring their A-game in this upcoming competition, as they dropped the last dual meet to the Redhawks in January.

In terms of record-setting, the Lutes are also in a hot streak.  The men's team has set 15 new records, both individual and relays, since 2014.  The women's team has set 17 records since 2014, including several set last season by Simpson who was the NWC Freshman of the Year.  With these streaks of success, the Lutes are looking to have yet another record-breaking season in 2018-19.

The relatively young Lutes will have their shot to take on the DI opponents on Friday as they head up to the Redhawks Center in Seattle.  The meet will start at 5 p.m.