FRESNO, Calif. - In the final home meet of the season, the Fresno Pacific swim and dive team celebrated their seniors prior to the dual meet against UC Santa Cruz. The Sunbirds valiantly competed in the water against the Banana Slugs, but ultimately fell to the Division III powerhouse.

In a heartfelt ceremony, several Sunbird seniors were honored for their unforgettable performances and contributions they've made at Fresno Pacific. Over the course of their careers, the Fresno Pacific community can proudly say these players have lifted others up, led by example, and represented the 'Birds with pride. The standard they've set will continue to inspire future Sunbirds for years to come.

"The meet went well. We had a fun time with the seniors and honoring them," said head coach Ray Eggert. "They have put a lot of time and effort into this program. I am very grateful they trusted me enough to stay and lead them."

On the men's side, Tony Montes led the charge in the backstroke events, placing second in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 53.84 before following it up with a strong showing in the 200-yard backstroke, touching in 2:00.28. Fellow Sunbird Justin Ferrer delivered one of the top swims of the meet for Fresno Pacific, finishing second in the 200 backstroke at 1:58.55 and claiming a meet win in the 400 IM with an impressive 4:10.85.

Sprint events also proved productive for the Sunbirds. August Ottesen posted a third-place finish in the 50 freestyle (22.39) and followed with a solid 53.07 in the 100 butterfly. Nico Barna contributed valuable points with a 50.93 in the 100 freestyle and a 1:01.95 in the 100 breaststroke, while Olivier Petre placed second in the 200 freestyle at 1:47.32 and anchored the Sunbirds' winning 200 freestyle relay, which touched first in 1:28.98.

Distance events also saw consistent efforts from Fresno Pacific, highlighted by Oskar Herbut's 10:35.38 in the 1000 freestyle and Petre's 4:58.98 in the 500 freestyle, both finishing among the top Sunbird times of the day.

On the women's side, Jillian Lambert delivered one of Fresno Pacific's strongest individual swims, winning the 50 freestyle with a time of 24.34 and later finishing second in the 100 freestyle (55.08). Mia Manno continued her strong season with a 2:23.22 in the 200 butterfly and a 1:03.74 in the 100 butterfly, while Hermione Roe posted solid performances in the breaststroke events, including a 1:12.17 in the 100 breaststroke and a 2:37.75 in the 200 breaststroke.

The Sunbird women finished with a score of 45 to the Banana Slugs 210, whereas the men wrapped the meet with a score of 64 to UC Santa Cruz's 193.

"I loved the atmosphere the team brought to today's meet," said assistant coach Rebeca Bribiesca Spears. "We saw great attitudes, continued progress, and a lot of heart. Today was all about celebrating our seniors and everything they've accomplished over the past four years."

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