LOS ANGELES, CA - The University of La Verne swimming and diving teams opened the 2021 Collegiate Winter Invite at East Los Angeles College on Friday. 

The Leopards had quite a few great performances on the first night led by sophomore Asher Kocalis who took home 20th place in the Men's 500 Yard Freestyle with a time of 4:52.37. 

In the Men's 200 Yard Freestyle Relay, 

Kocalis, alongside Brandon Pham, Jaden Mendoza, and Raymond Thai, posted a time of 1:30.81 - giving La Verne a 15th place finish. 

La Verne also took 15th place in the Men's 400 Yard Medley Relay led by Thai, Kocalis, Pham, and Jonathan Olvera, with a time of 3:44.80.

The Leopards Women's 200 Yard Freestyle Relay, led by Alyssa Ono, Emma Vu, Cara Musashi, and Alondra Nova Camacho,  finished Top-30 with a time of 1:50.67. The same group of Leo's also took a Top-30 finish with a time of 4:32.62 in the Women's 400 Yard Medley Relay. 

Kira Degelsmith placed in the Top-15 for the 1 meter dive notching 12th place, with a score of 144.45. 

Day 2 highlights of the Winter Invite will be posted at the end of the day Saturday. The meet will conclude Sunday the 21st,  with Prelims at 10 a.m., Dive at 2 p.m., and Finals at 5 p.m Saturday.