Aztec Swimmers Set to Renew Acquaintances with USD on Friday
SAN DIEGO – For the second time in two weeks, San Diego State swimmers will battle the University of San Diego when the Toreros invade Aztec Aquaplex for a dual meet on Friday, Sept. 27, starting at 1 p.m. PT. Admission is free.
Friday’s clash will feature six scored events with two heats apiece, beginning with the 150 freestyle and 150 butterfly, followed by the 150 backstroke, 150 breaststroke, 400 freestyle and 300 individual medley.
“It’s always fun to compete in our home pool,” said SDSU associate head coach Joe Spahn. “Scheduling different distances for this meet gives us an opportunity to see some new things from both our newcomers and returners. It will also be a great tune-up for next week’s Fresno State Invitational.”
The Aztecs have already faced USD this season, posting a 33-24 triumph in the annual pentathlon meet between the schools on Sept. 13. With the victory, SDSU has won all 13 encounters against the Toreros in pentathlon competition dating back to 2011.
The Aztecs showcased the top 11 pentathlon finishers, including sophomore Reka Nyiradi, who captured the individual title with a combined time of 4.53.92, besting freshman Liv Peebles (4:55.89) by nearly two seconds. In addition, senior Mai McKenna finished a solid third with a clocking of 4:57.13, followed by fellow classmate Wilma Johansson (4:58.32), while freshman Alli Mann (4:59.09) rounded out the top five.
Friday's crosstown battle marks the second of four scheduled meetings vs. USD this season. The Aztecs will square off against the Toreros and Colorado State in a triangular meet at USD’s home pool on Jan. 11, before returning to the same venue for another dual meet on Jan. 24. SDSU will also race with the Toreros in a long course meet at Aztec Aquaplex at a day and time to be determined in April.
Including their annual pentathlons, SDSU has been victorious in 34 straight meetings against the Toreros dating back to the 2000-01 campaign.
In last season’s 146-121 victory over USD at the Aquaplex on Jan. 26, 2024, the Aztecs received pool record times from Christiana Williams (100, 200 breast) and Alex Roberts (200 back).
Williams became just the fourth SDSU swimmer to break the 1-minute barrier in the 100 breaststroke, touching the wall with a personal-best 59.91, which ranks fourth in school history and seventh on the Mountain West’s all-time charts. In addition, the Aztec senior finished the 200 breaststroke with a victorious time of 2:10.74 en route to earning MW Swimmer of the Week honors.
Meanwhile, Roberts logged a winning effort of 1:55.40 in the 200 backstroke.
Following Friday’s action, San Diego State returns to the competition pool on Thursday, Oct. 3, when it travels up the coast to face Pepperdine at 10:30 a.m. PT, before continuing north to the Central Valley for its annual appearance in the Fresno State Invitational, Oct. 4-5, in Fresno, California.