FOREST GROVE, Ore.- The Pacific men's and women's swimming teams are set to begin their 2021-22 campaign behind Head Coach Beth Whittle and some senior leaders who are expected to score some points for their squads in competition.
 
"Swimming brings indescribable happiness into the lives of our student-athletes, and to get back to a full training and competition schedule this season is amazing, said Head Coach Beth Whittle. "After welcoming our Boxer Swimming alumni back home for our Alumni Meet, we look forward to hosting six home dual meets this season.  This fall, I have seen the team working harder than ever and improving on a daily basis."  
 
The Boxer men picked up a win over George Fox in their last meet of the shortened 2021 spring season, but suffered three losses in the prior dual meets. The women's team also went 1-3 last spring, defeating Willamette on March 20 for their lone victory. 
 
Pacific will host six meets this season and will hope to use their home aquatic center to their advantage. The Boxers travel to George Fox on two separate occasions (Oct. 30 and Dec. 4) and their schedule will also feature trips to Northwest Conference foes Willamette (Nov. 6), Whitworth (Jan. 21), and Whitman (Jan. 22).
 
Both teams were picked to finish ninth in the recent NWC preseason poll. The NWC Championships begin on Feb. 10 where Pacific will look to break some school records.
 
Men
 
The Boxer men return a very experienced team that consists of two seniors, three juniors, and one sophomore. Looking to lead his team is Hung Huynh (Senior/Billings, MT) who is known as a utility swimmer, competing in a variety of different events for Pacific. Josh Joireman (Junior/Pullman, WA) will also be back for the Boxers, specializing in the 500m freestyle and the breaststroke events.
 
Women
 
The women's swimming team features 12 returning swimmers and five newcomers on this year's squad. School-record holder Hannah Brandow (Senior/Eugene, OR) is poised for a fantastic senior season. In 2018, the senior set a new school record in the 200-yard backstroke and will look to set some new personal-best times this season.
 
Julie Abrigonde (Junior/Reno, NV) returns for her third year in the Red and Black and hopes to standout in the backstroke, freestyle, and breaststroke events. Abrigonde has set two school records of her own (100-yard backstroke and 100-yard IM) and looks to improve even further in 2021-22.  
 
Some newcomers looking to make an impact in their first seasons at Pacific are Anne Marie Grieder-Jacobs (Freshman/Portland, OR) and Alex Moehnke (Sophomore/Banks, OR). Greieder-Jacbos specializes in the backstroke and freestyle while Moehnke is a talented sprinter who will also compete in the backstroke.
 
"We have a small, but highly motivated men's team, and our women's team is continuing to grow and become more competitive," Whittle said.  "We have lots of racing opportunities ahead to prepare for, and our sights are set on an exciting and successful NWC Championship in February."
 
The Boxers begin their season on Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. when they host the Sprint Relays at the Forest Grove Aquatic Center.
 
For the latest information on Pacific Athletics, make sure to check out GoBoxers.com. You can also find the Boxers on social media at @GoBoxers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
 
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