Tulane’s swimming and diving team dove into the new year with a strong win over the University of West Florida on Jan. 26. The team not only celebrated a decisive victory during this meet, but it also celebrated its dedicated seniors in its last home meet of the season.

After a rather sluggish start to the season in October, the Green Wave finally found its stride at the end of the semester, finishing with three consecutive high-scoring meets before the Christmas holiday. The team rode this wave into the new year, defeating West Florida 227-72 in the familiar waters of the Reily Recreation Center Natatorium. Out of the total 16 events, the Green Wave gained a win over its competition in all but two events.

Seniors Paris Zhang, Lena Hayakawa and Lilly Morgan teamed up with sophomore Kate McDonald, claiming the first win of the meet in the 200-yard medley relay. The outcome was just as exciting in the 200-yard freestyle relay with the freshmen power squad, composed of Noa Heron, Samy Morton, Iza Pelka and JuJu Desforges.

The Green Wave’s momentum could not be stopped as the meet entered into the individual races. Four out of the six seniors celebrating their final home meet in New Orleans gained a victory in at least one of their races. Zhang and senior Michelle Zelnick each brought two titles home for their team, leaving the other racers in their wake.

McDonald and junior Jordan Morling each won two of their races, while junior Olivia Johnson and freshman Noa Heron brought home a win for the Green Wave. The team looks unstoppable as it heads into the final meet of the regular season, determined to catch one final win before the collegiate championships.   

Tulane will travel to Southern Methodist University on Feb. 8 to compete in its final meet before the American Athletic Conference Championships, which begin on Feb. 27 in Indianapolis, Indiana.