Pepperdine Waves Make Waves with Record-Breaking Performance at Northwest Collegiate Swimming Invitational
Pepperdine’s swimming and diving teams delivered a dominant performance at the Northwest Collegiate Swimming Invitational and Trojan Diving Invitational, highlighted by multiple meet records and a second-place team finish for the swimmers. The Waves are poised for continued success as they head into the new year.
The Pepperdine swimming team concluded a three-day competition in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday, December 19th, securing second place overall with a team score of 1946, trailing only Idaho’s 2121.5. The team’s performance was marked by a series of record-breaking swims and impressive individual achievements.
Relay Dominance Sets the Tone
The Waves kicked off the invitational with a statement, as the 200 free relay team shattered the meet record with a time of 1:33.16. The team comprised of Maile Sullivan, Layla Busquets, Kylie Taylor, and anchor Anna Ryan. This victory signaled the team’s intent to compete at a high level throughout the event.
The momentum continued with another meet record and program-best performance in the 400 medley relay, with a time of 3:45.38. Layla Busquets, Charlie Sunahara, Aliyah Fan, and Maile Sullivan combined for the historic win. A third relay team, consisting of Kylie Taylor, Charlie Sunahara, Aliyah Fan, and Anna Ryan, further cemented the Waves’ relay prowess, setting a meet record in the 200 medley relay with a time of 1:42.77.
Individual Stars Shine
Beyond the relays, Pepperdine swimmers excelled in individual events. Kylie Taylor initially broke the meet record in the 100 backstroke during the prelims with a time of 55.20, but Layla Busquets ultimately claimed gold in the finals with a time of 56.03.
The Waves demonstrated their strength in freestyle events, taking the top two spots in the 50 free A cut. Kylie Taylor secured victory with a time of 23.45, while Anna Ryan finished closely behind, earning silver with a time of 23.48.
The 100 breaststroke saw a remarkable showing from Pepperdine, with four swimmers placing in the top eight of the A cut. Ava Taylor led the charge with a winning time of 1:03.47, followed by Anna Ryan (1:04.53), Kiana Fan (1:04.58), and Charlie Sunahara (1:04.71). Anna Ryan also secured second place overall in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:03.88 out of 33 competitors.
Freshman Sophia Blietz made her mark with a third-place finish in the 200 backstroke (2:01.87), while Layla Busquets (55.65) and Aliyah Fan (55.67) earned bronze and fourth place, respectively, in the 100 fly.
The 400 free relay team finished strong with a second-place time of 3:27.57, featuring Maile Sullivan, Elliot Easton, Aliyah Fan, and anchor Anna Ryan.
Diving Team Competes in Los Angeles
On Saturday, December 20th, Pepperdine’s diving team concluded competition at the Trojan Diving Invitational in Los Angeles, California. Vivian Vallely placed 18th in the 1-meter final with a score of 423.15, while Amanda Wong qualified for the 3-meter finals, finishing 17th with 431.15 points. Amanda Wong also led the Waves in the platform event, earning 21st in the prelims with a score of 169.90. Dive scoring details can be found [here](link to dive scoring).
Looking Ahead
The Waves will return to the pool on Monday, January 5th, to compete against San Diego State and Cal State East Bay in San Diego, California.
Pepperdine swimming & diving boasts a distinguished four-decade history, consistently achieving top-five finishes in its conference in 32 of 39 seasons. The program has secured three conference championships in the past four seasons, including its first MPSF Championship in 2025. Throughout 38 seasons in the PCSC, the Waves have celebrated 48 individual champions and 20 PCSC Swimmer or Diver of the Year awards. Notably, Andreea Trufasu remains the program’s sole Olympian, having competed in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
To stay informed about the latest Pepperdine swim and dive news, follow the Waves on social media @PepperdineWSD.
