Riptides of Victory: Waves Dominate in Double Dual Showdown in New Mexico

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – This afternoon, the women’s swim and dive team from Pepperdine recorded its first victory against New Mexico in the program’s history during a dual meet held at Aztec Aquaplex in San Diego, California.
 
With AJ Adams clinching two individual victories and Ansley Halbach securing an additional event win, the Waves triumphed over the Lobos with a score of 155-144. However, Pepperdine faced a loss against San Diego State with a score of 129-165 in the other dual meet today.
 
SWIM RECAP
RELAYS
The relay team of Alexandra Browne (Arlington, Va.), Layla Busquets (Diablo, Calif.), Lindsay Hemming (Orinda, Calif.) and Anna Ryan (Alamo, Calif.) finished second in the 400 free relay, clocking in at 3:36.92. In the same event, Lexie Deitemeyer (Golden, Colo.), Eleanor Mashkovich (Calabasas, Calif.), Maddie McLeay (Omaha, Neb.) and Natalie Do (Mansfield, Texas) secured a podium position with a time of 3:43.90.
 
In the 200 medley relay, the Pepperdine contingent of Kiana Fan (Irvine, Calif.), Charli Sunahara (Chino, Calif.), Sophia Ware (Allen, Texas) and Browne were the fastest for the Waves, finishing third with a time of 1:48.23.
 
INDIVIDUALS
The Waves achieved 10 podium placements in the individual events, marking three first place finishes, three second place finishes, and four third place finishes throughout the competition.
 
Pepperdine clinched victory in three separate events, with AJ Adams (Castle Rock, Colo.) winning two races, displaying outstanding performances in the 200 back and the 200 IM. Her respective times were 2:08.42 and 2:10.62 in her events. Additionally, Ansley Halbach (Watkinsville, Ga.) won the 500 free, finishing with a time of 5:16.96.
 
Busquets, Mollie Cho (Frisco, Texas), and Halbach contributed the three second place finishes for the Waves. Busquets achieved a time of 58.54 in the 100 fly, Cho recorded 2:26.93 in the 200 breast, and Halbach continued her impressive performance with a time of 10:46.62 in the 1000 free.
 
The four third places for Pepperdine were accomplished by Browne, Busquets, Hemming, and Sunahara. Browne completed the 50 free in 24.05, Busquets finished the 100 back in 59.29, Hemming clocked 2:10.44 in the 200 back, and Sunahara recorded 1:08.08 in the 100 breast.
 
SCORES
Pepperdine defeated New Mexico 155-144
San Diego State defeated Pepperdine 165-129
 
 
DIVING RECAP
3 METER
Vivian Vallely (Newport Beach, Calif.) placed fourth with a score of 251.05, while Amanda Wong (Santa Ana, Calif.) and Lexie Martin (Keller, Texas) finished in 8th and 9th positions with scores of 221.30 and 217.36.

1 METER

Once again, Vallely secured the leading position for the Waves with 223.15 points, earning seventh place. Wong, Delainey Pisaruk (Phoenix, Ariz.) and Martin ranked 9th, 11th, and 12th after accumulating respective scores of 215.80, 186.95, and 178.90.

 

QUOTABLES

“I believed the Waves performed exceptionally today, handling various forms of challenges that we haven’t encountered in a while,” remarked head coach Ellie Monobe . “I thought we showcased well after a strong initial winter training period. Competing in the midst of winter is always demanding, and our women truly exerted themselves. We were finishing our races strongly, and even though we didn’t possess the energy we usually have at peak moments, we are right on track at this point in the season. With a focus on strength and speed in the coming weeks, we anticipate being in great condition for the championship phase of the season.”

 

“AJ was undoubtedly our most impressive performer of the day. Witnessing her lead our 200 group and finish the 200 back and 200 IM with wins over New Mexico was remarkable. Observing how our women approached each race with seriousness and the level of concentration they displayed in their victory against New Mexico was thrilling. Looking forward, we believe this upcoming week of winter training will provide an excellent opportunity for bonding, and we are eager to regain some speed and end the season on a high note.”

 

NEXT UP

Pepperdine will be back in action next weekend at Fresno State, where they are scheduled to compete against the Bulldogs in a sprint meet on Friday at 2 p.m. and another dual meet on Saturday at 12 p.m. in Fresno, Calif.

 

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