Coming off a fall season that saw the women's water polo team capture a second straight Big 8 Conference championship many of those same student-athletes will be hoping to make it back-to-back championships during the swimming season as the Mustangs captured their first conference swimming championship since 2000 last season. 

 

"We transferred six girls from polo season so the team has kind of shrunk a little bit but it was exciting to see some girls step up and swim well to start the season," said coach Nate Varosh after they opened the season at the Merced Invite. 

 

At that opening meet the Mustangs were led by Kennedy Brubaker who won two events and placed in the top three in three other events. Other standout performers included Madison Rishwain, Kailah Lillie, and Ana De La Garza.

 

"It's always hard to repeat as champions but we are going to give it a good fight, training hard, and I'm excited about the season. Our three goalies from water polo season are learning a new craft and diving for us. Everyone is going to find a way to contribute."

 

On the men's side, the numbers are not as deep as they are on the women's side but coach Mike Maroney still expects to have some swimmers in the mix to qualify for state. "Trenton Worden is our breaststroker out of Oregon and he likely has the best chance to qualify," said Maroney.

 

They will be competing this weekend at the Modesto Invite and the NorCal Relays.