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Gabe James

Men's Swim & Dive

`Runners Dominate Mustangs Under the Lights

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Cal State Bakersfield swim & dive teams opened the 2026-27 season with an electric meet at the Hillman Aquatic Center Friday night. The Roadrunners earned dual meet victories over The Master's University in front, arguably, the largest crowds in the last 15 years.

Key Facts
  • As part of Alumni Weekend, Cal State Bakersfield welcomed back dozens of swim & dive alumni from all eras of the program's history.
  • Friday's meet was the first in the Shane Pelton era as CSUB's new Head Coach coached his squads to a pair of wins. Pelton on the evening:
    • "Tonight was about setting the standard for the new era. Our team brought the energy and brought life back into Hillman. I absolutely loved the way they supported each other and fed off each other's energy."
    • "To see Hillman packed and feel that energy from the crowd made the night even more special. We're thankful to The Master's University for coming up and competing with us. This was a great opportunity for our program, and I'm excited to build off it."
  • Full results from Friday's meet are available on MeetMobile as well as GoRunners.com/Swim
Men: CSUB 183, TMU 60

Bakersfield's men showed out their depth against the Mustangs, recording 1-2-3 finishes in five different events and 1-2 placements in three others.
Four `Runner men recorded double victories on Friday night: Sophomore Karsten Eichler won the 500 Free while freshman Luke earned his first collegiate win in the 200 IM. Bakersfield's diving, led by sophomore Alma Smith, swept both springboards to earn big points for the `Runners. Cal State Bakersfield also swept both relay events.

Women: CSUB 165, TMU 77

The `Runner women cruised to a solid victory against Master's behind one of the most impressive dual-meet performances in recent memory from senior Josiane Hill. Pelton raved about Hill's Opening Night performance:

"Josie was electric tonight. She attacked every race, raced with a ton of confidence, and set the tone right from the start. I loved watching her compete tonight. Absolute great first meet and something we can build off this season."

Hill posted a double victory in the 50 Back (25.48) and 50 Fly (24.98), posting NICs preliminary times in both events. Joining Hill with a double victory of her own was junior Brianna Griffiths, who placed first in both the 50 Breast and 100 Breast.

The `Runners also enjoyed wins from freshman Sophia Muñoz-Rodriguez (100 Fly) and sophomores Laerke Dann-Nielsen (100 Back) and Mayu Yager (500 Free). Fellow sophomore Izzy Fay picked up a double on the diving boards Friday night.

What's Next?

The `Runners host their Alumni Meet on Saturday before heading out for their first road meet:
  • CSUB at PAC Invite
    • Oct. 2-3
    • Stockton, Calif.
  • Don't miss the `Runners at home next time around! Catch the full schedule at GoRunners.com/Swim
~GoRunners.com~
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Players Mentioned

Laerke Dann-Nielsen

Laerke Dann-Nielsen

Back/Free
6' 1"
Sophomore
Izzy Fay

Izzy Fay

Dive
5' 3"
Sophomore
She/Her/Hers
Brianna Griffiths

Brianna Griffiths

Breast
5' 6"
Junior
Josiane Hill

Josiane Hill

Fly/Back/Free
5' 8"
Senior
Mayu Yager

Mayu Yager

Free/IM
5' 1"
Sophomore
Karsten Eichler

Karsten Eichler

Free/IM
6' 3"
Sophomore
Thomas Henstein

Thomas Henstein

Back/Fly
5' 10"
Junior
Reed Lucero

Reed Lucero

Breast/IM
6' 5"
Senior
CJ Manuel

CJ Manuel

Back/Free/Fly
5' 10"
Senior
Tanner Sheffert

Tanner Sheffert

Free/Fly
6' 1"
Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Laerke Dann-Nielsen

Laerke Dann-Nielsen

6' 1"
Sophomore
Back/Free
Izzy Fay

Izzy Fay

5' 3"
Sophomore
She/Her/Hers
Dive
Brianna Griffiths

Brianna Griffiths

5' 6"
Junior
Breast
Josiane Hill

Josiane Hill

5' 8"
Senior
Fly/Back/Free
Mayu Yager

Mayu Yager

5' 1"
Sophomore
Free/IM
Karsten Eichler

Karsten Eichler

6' 3"
Sophomore
Free/IM
Thomas Henstein

Thomas Henstein

5' 10"
Junior
Back/Fly
Reed Lucero

Reed Lucero

6' 5"
Senior
Breast/IM
CJ Manuel

CJ Manuel

5' 10"
Senior
Back/Free/Fly
Tanner Sheffert

Tanner Sheffert

6' 1"
Sophomore
Free/Fly
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