MONTEREY PARK, Calif. - The Fresno Pacific swim and dive team competed in the first two days of the PCSC Championships and had a brilliant showing in the tough conference competition. By Thursday night, the Sunbirds had recorded 20 season-bests, 21 personal-bests, and several podium finishes.

"It has been a tremendous meet so far," said first-year head coach Raymond Eggert. "There's been a lot of great energy and competition. The team is stepping up and swimming hard. Extremely proud of the support and excitement that the whole team has had for each other. Even though there are some that are not swimming maybe as well as they had hoped, they are still challenging themselves in their next race and cheering wholeheartedly for their teammates."

On the men's side, August Ottesen has medaled in both his individual events. He placed third in the 50 Free (20.35) and second in the 100 butterfly (48.40). He was also a part of the 200 Free Relay that placed second, which included Laurenz Privo, Santiago Schutte, and Olivier Petre. Not to mention, Petre also placed third in the 200 Free with a time of 1:39.24.

Oskar Herbut blazed ahead in the 1000, starting in the 7th seed and making his way up to fourth in the event.

Theo Schiesari stepped up in the 400 Individual Medley, an event he hadn't really competed in, and dropped over eight seconds in the race. He placed higher than the team had originally planned, which Eggert was grateful for considering Schiesari was willing to make the sacrifice for the team.

On the women's side, Caitlyn Sakamoto's performance in the 50 Free was incredible to witness. 

Even through Jillian Lambert wasn't able to sneak into the A final, she still overcame her morning swim and captured the second fastest time of the meet (23.56). Eggert mentioned, "So proud of her growth in confidence throughout the year. She has not only become a stronger swimmer, but a stronger person. I am proud of her for not letting the disappointment get to her and getting up and competing."

Natalie Noble, Cara Moehle and Mia Manno also had considerable performances on the women's side. Notably, Manno collected several amazing swims, but her night session in the 100 Butterfly was something special.

"She was trying to hit a goal time of 57 for this meet and just missed it in prelims. After the race though, she came to me and said, "Tonight," then she went out and did it! Super proud of her determination and grit to make her goals happen!"

After two days of competition, the Sunbird men are third in the PCSC standings with a score of 479.5, whereas the Lady 'Birds sit ninth with a score of 178. These standings are likely to change as more results pour in.

To view the PCSC Tournament Schedule, CLICK HERE.

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