LA MIRADA, Calif. - The Alaska Nanooks swimming team opened its 2026-27 season in California this afternoon, defeating Biola University 103-102.

The 'Nooks began the day by coming in second and fourth in the 200-yard medley relay, with the team of Charisma Watkins, Dorka Dancsok, Giorgia Merlo and Cosima Schmiedel taking second with a 1:50.87. Zsófia Varga (10:52.72) and Kitti Marton (10:53.51) locked out the top two in the 1000-yard freestyle, finishing over 10 seconds ahead of the next closest finisher. Zhenia Stukova followed with a 1:57.25 in the 200-yard freestyle, securing the victory for the Blue and Gold and giving them their second straight win.

Biola would respond by claiming the top-two spots in the 50-yard freestyle, with Sam Bristor placing third with a 25.25, but Dancsok followed with a victory in the 400-yard IM (4:40.37) to give the 'Nooks another first-place result. Marilia Persidou added another win for the 'Nooks after posting a 2:10.39 in the 200-yard butterfly, with that time putting her in the top-10 in program history for the event. Stukova (54.88) and Monica Botha (2:12.50) were the Nanooks' highest finishers in the 100-yard freestyle and 200-yard backstroke, placing second and third, respectively. Marton won the 500-yard freestyle (5:24.12), and Dancsok added another top finish in the 200-yard breaststroke, posting a 2:26.83 to set the pool record in the event.

The meet came down to the 200-yard freestyle relay, where the Nanooks would emerge victorious thanks to a first-place finish by Botha, Schmiedel, Bristor and Merlo (1:39.94).

The Nanooks are back in action on Saturday morning with the Bulldog Pentathlon at the University of Redlands. The meet begins at 9 a.m. AKT.

Follow the 'Nooks
IG - @NanookSwim
X - @NanooksSwim
FB - Alaska Nanooks Swimming