Results (PDF)
TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University women's swimming team won six events but were unable to keep pace with crosstown nemesis University of Puget Sound on senior day, getting edged 106-84 in the final Northwest Conference dual meet of the season.
"Senior meets are always bittersweet since it's an ending and beginning all in one. While it's the end of these Lutes' dual meet collegiate experience, it's a step closer to the great things they will achieve as leaders in their communities, work environments, and beyond," said Head Coach
Andrew Lum.
The Lutes won the opening event of the meet with
Annika Eisele and
Malia Wisham part of the victory in the mixed 200-yard medley relay after touching the wall in one minute, 47.51 seconds.
Eisele backed that performance up with another win, this time in the 100-yard backstroke after touching the wall in 1:01.96. Eisele would win her third event in the 100-yard butterfly (1:02.64) with teammate
Makenzie Chan-Orcutt second overall (1:04.24).
Sidney Chan-Orcutt topped the field in the 50-yard freestyle, clocking a time of 25.94 before taking the 100-yard freestyle in 55.96 in an event the Lutes swept the top three spots. Wisham was second in 56.46 with
Makenzie Chan-Orcutt third (58.90).
Maya Lovre won the 200-yard backstroke, touching the wall in 2:19.61.
Wisham was runner-up in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:11.05) and 200-yard individual medley (2:15.09) while
Reina Kim was second in the 200-yard breaststroke (2:44.08).
The Lutes capped off the meet with a win in the mixed 200-yard freestyle relay (1:36.64), a relay that featured twins
Makenzie Chan-Orcutt and
Sidney Chan-Orcutt.
"We always look forward to the challenges that every team brings to competition, especially with our crosstown rivals. They have a quality squad full of depth and talent. The competition was gritty today with some very close races and full-fledged action in and out of the water. UPS looks sharp and will come out swinging day one of Conference. We're proud of the fight, tenacity, and spirit of the Lutes on their final dual meet of the season."
Saturday was senior day with
Allie Burke,
Makenzie Chan-Orcutt,
Sidney Chan-Orcutt,
Claire Cranch,
Reina Kim,
Jessica Lee, and
Maya Lovre all honored at the conclusion of the meet. The seven Lute seniors have won 27 of their 31 dual meets over the last four years, including two NWC dual meet titles and the NWC Washington State dual meet title during the COVID shortened 2021 season.
"We're so honored and privileged to have a group of upstanding people, students, and athletes in the Class of 2023. They've left a very impressive legacy with the coaching staff, team, and PLU community."
Pacific Lutheran returns to action on Feb. 9 for the opening session of the 2023 Northwest Conference Championships held in Federal Way, Wash. at the King County Aquatics Center.
"The Lutes are looking sharp, and we welcome the challenge of all the high quality competition we will get in Federal Way two weeks from now. Our season has built up to these three and a half days. In the end, we know that when the occasion arrives, the Lutes will step up with all their might."
