(Walnut, CA) The three-time defending South Coast Conference Mt. SAC Swimming & Diving Team opens the 2019 season with a trip up north to City College of San Francisco for the First Annual Rams Invitational Friday and Saturday (2/8, 9).
"The 2019 women's swim team is poised to begin the 2019 season and this year, like every year, winning the conference championship is our goal," Mt. SAC Swimming & Diving coach Chris Jackson said.
"When we return from our trip, we will gear up for the conference pentathlon and get a chance to see how we measure up to other SCC teams."
The conference pentathlon will be held Friday (2/15) at Chaffey College, while the diving preview will be held Saturday (2/16) at El Camino College.
Leading the way for the Mounties is sophomore Erin DeAnda. DeAnda has been a standout water polo player for Mt. SAC these past two years. She is also a returning CCCAA state qualifying swimmer.
Another water polo player from the Mounties is sophomore Kaitlin Howard. The dual-sport athlete "…….is a hard worker and we are excited to see her compete," Jackson said.
Completing the list of sophomores is Alina Mierto, who returns after a break from competing, and Janel Sepulveda, who was also a member of the 2018 water polo team.
Newcomers for the Mounties include: Amber Bustamante, Kiani Lopez, Colleen Gamboa (2018 water polo player), Madeline Kim, Sarita Quesada and Meghan Whalen.
"They've come a long way in the off season and are eager to carry on the Mountie tradition," Jackson said. "With a smaller roster this year, we will need all of them to step up big and compete."
Highlighting the season again will be the 34th Annual Mt. SAC Swimming Invitational, which will be held February 21-23. Over 20 colleges from up and down the state will compete in the three-day event.
Mt. SAC will also host the South Coast Conference Championships April 18-20.
The season will culminate at the state championships at East Los Angeles College May 2-4.
Follow Mt. SAC Women's Swimming and Diving on twitter @mountie_polo
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.