TACOMA, Wash.. --- The Pacific Lutheran University Women's Swimming team debuted in their first meet of the 2024-25 season inside the PLU Pool against Whitman on Friday night. The Lutes dropped the season opener to the Blues, 126-78.
 
The Lutes first race of the season, the 400-yard Medley Relay started the season strong, as Lola Chargualaf, Scout Hawkins, Riley Maher, and Emma Gassman came away with a six-second victory with a time of 4:13.78. Gassman returned in event five, the 200-yard Freestyle, taking second in the only heat of the race, with a time of 2:05.75, just 17 hundredths of a second ahead of Whitman's second finisher in the race.
 
Maher and Hawkins dominated in the 200-yard IM, taking first and second, with times of 2:20.57 and 2:21.84, each ahead of three athletes from Whitman. Gassman continued her strong effort in the Freestyle in event 13, this time in the 100-yard Freestyle, taking first place by just five hundredths of a second; with a time of 57.73 seconds.
 
Freshman Ellie Cutting had a strong debut in the water for the Lutes, taking third in the 1000-yard Freestyle, second in the 500-yard Freestyle, and closed out the night playing a role in the Lutes 400-yard Freestyle relay that took second with a time of 4:02.87.
 
Tabbed the No.1 team in the Northwest Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, the Blues won eight of the 11 races on opening night for the Lutes. But the tough competition may prove to be exactly what the Lutes needed to push them higher in a season filled with new faces.
 
"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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