LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Head Coach Eddie Shepard's swimmers exceeded expectations on all fronts in today's duel meets against Concordia and Azusa Pacific. The women's squad got wins over both of their big foes, and the men swam well as they geared up for the conference meet.
 
"This was our last meet before conference and I was extremely pleased with how well everyone swam," said Shepard. "Our women went up against two very strong teams and came out on top. The team has pushed themselves really hard during practice and it was great to see the work pay off."
 
Both of Biola's duals were incredibly close, as they got the win over the Cougars, 157-131, and the Eagles of Irvine, 151-130.
 
It was the Eagles' second and third duel meet wins of the season.
 
The women were on the ball all morning long, winning seven different events. The men also won one event, the 200 freestyle relay. Christine Tixier showed why she is considered one of the top swimmers in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics by winning the 200-butterfly (2:08.85), 200-breaststroke (2:29.64) and the 100-butterfly (58.08).
 
Haley Baker was the lone Eagle to add a new national championship-qualifying swim, by getting a speedy 56.53 in a fifth-place finish in the 100-freestyle.
 
"Today's performance gives us a huge burst of confidence as we prepare for our conference meet in less than two weeks," said Shepard. "I am excited because today's strong swims showed me that we have the potential to add several more swimmers to our national team."
 
The Eagles return to the pool Feb. 12 when they participate in the Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference meet. The meet is a semi-home meet as it will be held in the SPLASH! Aquatic Center's pool, directly across the street from Biola.