While most teams entering in last weekends La Verne Invitational were kicking and splashing like minnows in the midst of sharks (see Concordia), Biola bit back the opponent by taking multiple top three finishes.

Biola was one of the five teams represented, with Concordia bearing the target of “team to beat.” However, the Eagles were able to swoop down and chase some minnows of their own.

Team chemistry is a big reason why.

“The team is really close this year, as it has been in years past. We eat together and pray together,” said junior Paul Mendoza.

Sophomore Alison Seek (1650 Free), junior April Smith (200 IM) and freshman Jacob Neller (1650 Free) brought back first in their respected events. Nellar has continued his rise to prominence with another NAIA national qualifying time (16:58.40).

In the 50 and 200 free, junior Emily Mosbacher took second, with sophomore April Kiel propelling her way into a third place finish in the 100 Back and the 500 Free. On the rise freshman Bethany Turner took third in the 100 Breast.

Mendoza took second in the 1650 Free, with senior Brian Shepard taking third and second (200 Free, 100 Free). Zach Perkins stormed his way to a second place finish in the 50 Free, and a third place finish in the 100 Free.

Senior standout Bret Beatty took second in the 200 IM, with freshman Luke Perryman taking third in the 200 IM. Junior Michael Perryman splashed his way to a second place finish in the 100 Fly, and sophomore Nathan Roe rounded out the Eagles with a third place finish in the 500 Free.

The next meet for Biola will be on November 14 as they participate in the Bulldog Pentathlon, hosted by the University of Redlands. In a special-event race, each swimmer swims 100 yards of all four strokes. Their total time will be calculated to determine the winner.

“[Right now] getting as many individual swimmers qualified for nationals [is our goal],” Mendonza added. “Conference is just one meet, and it goes down in one weekend.”