SAN DIEGO — SDSU dove into its last regular-season home match against local rival University of San Diego by winning 155-108, and celebrated its seniors who have made an impact in and out of the pool.
SDSU’s swim team has dominated for over eight years, remaining undefeated in dual meets throughout this time, and is 10-0 on the season. Coming off a sweep of Pepperdine and Cal State East Bay, the Aztecs cruised into the meet against the Toreros and are heading to the Mountain West Championships Feb 18-21. The team will compete for its fifth straight conference titlein Houston.
One of SDSU’s celebrated seniors, Abby Storm, leads the Mountain West in the 200 back (1:53.27) and is ranked second in the 100 back (52.03). Both times are top 40 nationally as of Jan. 21. Storm won both the 100 (54.19) and 200 backstroke (1:58.14) in the meet against USD.
Sophomore Allison Mann also won both of her races in Friday’s meet in the 100 fly (52.68) and 50 free (22.48); in both races, Mann hit a personal record. Earlier this month, Mann secured a spot in the Aztec Aquaplex Top 10 after sweeping the 100 and 200 butterfly. Her 54.11 finish in the 100 fly ranks third all-time at the facility, while her career-best 2:02.23 in the 200 fly sits sixth.
Other top Mountain West performers include Reka Nyiradi in the 200 fly (2nd, 1:57.95), Moa Bergdahl – 100 breast (3rd, 59.53), Alyssa Schiller– 100 free (5th, 49.13), and Kaydence Bispo – 200 free (5th, 1:47.49).
As for relays, SDSU’s 800 free relay team of Bispo, Melanie Quinto, Nyiradi, and Amber Janky hold the conference’s fastest time at 7:13.77, ranking 33rd nationally. Against USD, the Aztecs set yet another record in the 200 medley relay with the senior "fantastic four" at 1:40.35.
Photo Credit: Sophia Schley
SDSU’s dive team continues to reach new heights on the other side of the pool. The Aztecs took home the win against USD as well. Junior Isabella Gomez dominated the day of diving events, winning both the 1-meter (293.25) and 3-meter (326.85) events with her season-best scores and NCAA zone qualifiers. In the 1-meter event, teammates Belen Cano (284.03), Meja Palmer (280.13), and Alina Skrocki (278.78) also posted personal best season highs.
The divers will head to the NAU Lumberjack Invitational Jan. 29-31 in Flagstaff, Arizona, aiming to make a splash with their best dives yet.
Aztec swimmers will go on to compete in the Mountain West Championships, hoping to defend their four-time consecutive win at this competition, and make it five.
Sophomore Grace Mering feels confident in her team. “Our team as a whole has done really well,” said Mering. “Everyone seems strong, our endurance has improved, and overall we feel good going into this competition.”
As SDSU turns its focus to the Mountain West Championships, the team carries momentum, confidence, and leadership with its standout seniors. With breaking records and achieving their personal bests coming off this meet against USD, the Aztecs are poised to make a statement once again.
