The University of La Verne men's and women's swimming and diving team enjoyed impressive performances as it opened action on the first day of the SCIAC Championships Sunday in La Mirada.
La Verne sophomore Maddie Lovrensky enjoyed an record-setting start to the championships by posting an NCAA qualifying time of 55.95 in the 100-yard backstroke as the leadoff leg of the 400-yard medley relay. Lovrensky's clocking currently stands as the seventh-fastest time in the nation at Division III. She will try to better that mark on Monday in the open 100-yard backstroke.
Lovrensky would later set a school record in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 24.35 in leading off the Leopard women's 200-yard freestyle relay.
"While everyone on our squad swam their fastest times of the year, Maddie proved today that she's as one the fastest swimmers in the country," said head coach Pat Skehan. "It was very exciting to watch."
The opening day was also highlighted by the performance of junior diver Jacob Tittl, who placed second overall in the men's 1 Meter Final with a total of 381.45 to register the highest La Verne placing in either the men's or women's side on the first day of competition.
Junior Marc Okimura recorded a lifetime best in the 200-yard individual medley in 1:56.67 to finish in 10th place. In addition, sophomore Devon Photias swam the second-fastest men's 50-meter freestyle in program history with a time of 21.19 in leading off the Leopard 200-yard medley relay.
Day 2 of the SCIAC Championships will be held Monday, with events including the 400 IM, the 100-yard butterfly, the 200-yard freestyle, the 100-yard breaststroke, and the 100-yard backstroke.
