TACOMA, Wash. --- The Pacific Lutheran University Men's Swimming team opened up the 2024-25 season at home on Friday in a dual meet against Northwest Conference rival Whitman. The Lutes home opener was spoiled by the Blues, as the Lutes fell by a score of 122-76.
 
The combination of veterans, Devin Stanley, Na'inoa Loo, Dylan Dang teamed u with newcomer Anthony James to begin the season for the Lutes in the 400-yard medley relay. The new team took second place in the first event of the season, racing a time of 3:43.06, just behind the Blues by 31-hundreths of a second.
 
Tyler Tanaka, James, and Loo returned to the pool for the 50-yard Freestyle, taking second, third, and fourth, all trailing the leader by one-half of a second. The first event win of the night came from newcomer Christian Georgi, winning the 200-yard backstroke with a time of 2:08.12, finishing just ahead of Tanaka with a time of 2:09.07. Georgi excelled yet again in his debut, just two races later, the 200-yard Breaststroke, taking home first with a time of 2:16.75. Loo finished runner-up in the race with a time of 2:21.45.
 
To close out the home opener, Tanaka, Dakota Domingo, James, and Stanley ended the night on a high note, edging out the Whitman team in the 400-yard Freestyle Relay with a time of 3:18.52 for first place. The team of Aidan Koshinsky, Gus Hertz, Emiliano Zuniga, and Ben Thompson took home third in the final event with a time of 3:31.67.
 
As the Blues were tabbed third in the Northwest Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, the tough competition comes early for the Lutes in the 2024-25 season in a 122-76 loss to Whitman.
 
"Racing Whitman is always a pleasure! We enjoy their energy, engaging deck presence, and fiery competitiveness." Said Head Coach Andrew Lum following the season debut.
 
"The Lutes started our season out of the gate with intense races, close touch outs, and down to the wire finishes. They looked confident, and well prepared to tackle a challenging competitor. We're excited to see how the journey will unfold this season!"
 
The Lutes return to the PLU Pool tomorrow afternoon for their second Northwest Conference dual meet of the week, hosting the Whitworth Pirates at 1 p.m.
 
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