Warriors Swim Strong Heading into Conference

by BRANDON PETERSEN

The Westcliff swim team had a strong showing at his final dual meet of the season Saturday morning at Soka University in Aliso Viejo.

Liz Bouffort and Robin Pettersson were particularly impressive throughout the meet and are Westcliff's favorites to move deep into the postseason.

Pettersson won the 50 Free in 21.83 seconds, nearly two seconds ahead of second place.

He also won the 100 Free (48.81 seconds) and anchored the 200 Freestyle Relay which took first as well. Jake Ison, Daniel White, and Cardin Chavez swam one through three, respectively.

"The meet went well," Westcliff head coach Raney Remme said. "There were definitely some performances that could have been better, that I expected to be better at this point in the season, but we've been battling with injuries and pool space issues, and I think everybody has been battling this year with COVID. Considering everything, I am happy."

Pettersson glides through the water with blazing speed and turned head Saturday with two convincing wins. He has already qualified for the NAIA Championships in the 50 Free, his signature event.

"I'm super happy with his performance," Remme said. "He's gotten qualifying times for NAIA in 50-Freestyle and he got the bonus cut, the red cut, so that's awesome. We're going to submit that and hope for the best to take him to Columbus, (GA for the NAIA National Championships)."

On the women's side, Bouffort won the 50 Free (28.78) and the 100 Free (58.37) and missed a third win the 200 Free by four tenths of a second.

Bouffort has battled injury much of the season, and felt she could have showed better Saturday.

"It's tough when a senior has been battling all the injuries that she has," Remme said. "We can't use it as an excuse, but at the same time, we can recognize that that is something that can hold somebody back. I'm hoping moving forward, that is won't be an issue, and we'll get the times we are looking for. We've got the next two weeks – so it's now or never."

Bouffort wowed the audience on hand in the 200 Freestyle Relay.

Entering the water with about a 10-yard disadvantage, Bouffort caught up and overtook everyone in the pool to capture the win for the Warriors.

Unfortunately for Westcliff relay team, it was DQ'd when swimmers entered the water to celebrate the win.

Bouffort was one of two seniors who enjoyed their Senior Day swim alongside Soka, which included Westcliff in the festivities.

The other senior was Sydney Hoover, who swam a mile and a half Saturday morning.

Hoover won the 500 Freestyle (6:19.31) after marathoning 66 laps in the 1650.

"I'm super proud of Sydney for killing it on her mile and her 500," Remme said. "She's just consistent. Two weeks in a row she has dropped a significant amount of time in both of those races. With last week being her first time swimming the 1650, this week just coming out and crushing it again – doing the 100-Fly in between – it's just a really tall ask of somebody and she handled it really well.

"Great meet for her before Conference. I'm excited to see what she is going to do."

Remme was also pleased with a couple of her younger swimmers who showed well Saturday morning as well.

"We have Karen Granados out here for the first time," Remme said. "She did well. And I'm definitely proud of Razann Kotarche as well for her performances. Just happy overall."

Hanna Hoffman also had a great day for the Warrior women, winning both the 100 Breaststroke (1:15.86) and the 100 Butterfly (1:11.56).

Up next, the Warriors head to St. George, UT for the PCSC conference championships in two weeks.

To contact Brandon Petersen, e-mail brandonpetersen@westcliff.edu.