The ‘Dogs broke their 14-year losing streak against UC Davis at the Fresno State Swim and Dive Senior day on Jan. 22.
In a 50 point lead, the ‘Dogs beat the Aggies with a final score of 175-125, ending UC Davis’ winning streak held since 2008 when Fresno State reinstated its swimming team.
Sweeping the placings during Saturday’s events, the ‘Dogs took top three placings in the 1000 freestyle. Leading the charge were Fresno State’s Darina Khisiamova, Sera Hanagan and Rylee Gordillo, with Khisiamova scoring a nine against the Aggies’ two
Khisiamova, Samarah Melia, and Katie Ueda also placed top three placings in the 500 freestyle.
Freshman Julia Matney finished first with a season-best time of 24.03 in the 50-yard freestyle.
In honor of the international seniors, the national anthems of their home countries were played. Those nations represented were the Russian, Ukrainian, and the Israeli national anthems for seniors Keren Wasserman, Yuliya Tykha and Khisiamova, respectively.
For Khisiamova, a senior majoring in kinesiology-physical education, the chance to hear her national anthem play at a home match during her senior day was an emotional moment.
“Well it was really emotional for me because they play[ed] my Russian anthem and I was trying not to cry, but I did,” Khisiamova said.
Wasserman, a senior pyschology major with a minor in computer science, said this was the first time ever since arriving in the U.S. that she has heard the Israeli national anthem.
“Mine was really emotional too. I got to hear my own national anthem which was the Israeli one. [It was emotional] Because I think that was my first time hearing it in the U.S. so it was really hard to hold back tears, but yeah,” Wasserman said.
Tykha, a senior majoring in interior design, said that hearing the Ukrainian national anthem helped her feel like a part of home was here with her during the match.
After previously quarantining because of COVID-19,Tykha said that she believes she did well, despite the shortened time to practice.
“I did pretty good because I just came back from COVID, and I’ve been practicing for only two weeks. So considering that I did really good today,” Tykha said.
With their victory against UC Davis,Tykha said that their win gives them the confidence boost they need for their upcoming conference.
Having the chance to honor their international teammates was something that Beth Wilson, a senior majoring in agriculture business/ media, communications and journalism public relations, says that it was an emotional event for the team and having the chance to watch the team win against UC Davis was a going away gift for the seniors.
Beth Wilson, senior majoring in agriculture business/ media, communications and journalism public relations, noted that honoring their international teammates was an emotional event for the entire team, and that the win was a gift.
“I told the girls right before we went in and I was like, ‘Guys, if you want to give the seniors a going away present this win is it. So like push and get this win.’ So yeah really, really exciting,” Wilson said.
The ‘Dogs head to San Jose State for their next match on Jan. 29 at noon.
