Complete Results

TACOMA, Wash. - Depth proved the deciding factor in Saturday's season opener for the Pacific Lutheran University men's swimming team, edging past Northwest Conference rival University of Puget Sound 99-82 despite winning just four of the 10 events contested at the PLU Pool.

"Today was a great day, two wins against the Loggers is always a reason to celebrate," said Head Coach Matt Sellman.

"Not to mention how long we've been working and trying to get back into competition. I was so proud of the attitude and excitement the teams showed today. There was a lot of rust to break off after almost a full year out of competition but they went for it and when races and the meet were tight, they were at their best."
 
The Lutes (1-0) swept the top three spots in the 100-yard individual medley with Seth Koivisto capturing the win after touching the wall in 54.71 seconds. Christian Cutter took second billing in 56.83 while Christiaan Chandler was third in 57.94. 
 
Ethan Trieu triumphed in the 100-yard backstroke, clocking a 55.61 to best the field. Koivisto was at it again in the 100-yard breaststroke with a winning time of 59.39. His effort in the 100-yard breaststroke, coupled with a third place finish from Christian Cutter and a fourth place showing from Mike Smith sealed the win heading into the final event of the day.
 
The Lutes ended the day with an exclamation point, winning the 200-yard freestyle relay with Ethan Trieu, Christiaan Chandler, Charles Cutter, and Carson Braddoch collaborating to finish in 1:31.17.
 
PLU turned in runner-up finishes from Ethan Trieu in the 200-yard freestyle (1:51.52), Charles Cutter in the 50-yard freestyle (22.92), Koivisto in the 100-yard butterfly (55.74), Braddoch in the 100-yard freestyle (51.28), Nicolas Celebrado in the 500-yard freestyle (5:30.07), and the 200-yard medley relay (1:50.54). 

"The men showed just how much they love to compete. With smaller roster numbers we had to cobble together a lineup with matchsticks, glue, and scotch tape but we're excited to get the wins."
 

Saturday was senior day as the program recognized Christiaan Chandler, Seth Koivisto, Peter Thompson, Jared Toschi, and Ethan Trieu. The 2021 senior class closed their careers with a 10-3 dual meet record swimming inside the friendly confines of the PLU Pool.
 
Pacific Lutheran returns to the water next Saturday, facing NWC rival Whitworth University at 1 p.m. in Spokane, Washington.