LA MIRADA, Calif. --- SOKA University of America hosts its annual SOKA Invitational this weekend in Aliso Viejo, and both Biolas Swim & Dive programs will be in attendance.
 
THIS WEEK: SOKA Invitational - SOKA Aquatics Center (Aliso Viejo, Calif.) - Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.
 
MULTIMEDIA: The meet is not currently listed in the Meet Mobile App, but last year's SOKA Invitational was done with live results, so it's worth a look in the morning. If not, we will post results as soon as we receive them.
 
SOKA INVITATIONAL: Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.
Biola is making its first appearance at the SOKA Invitational since 2016. The Eagles' women took first place at that meet, while the men finished fourth. This week, the Eagles go into it with high aspirations after an encouraging weekend at Azusa Pacific last week. This meet comes at the point of the season that can begin to feel like a grind, so some positive swims would go a long way for this team to stay focused and "all in." Bethany Harper, Emily Silzel and Rachel Stinchcomb each clinched NAIA national meet berths and posted strong results the last time Biola was in this pool, and it likely wont be much different this time around. Silzel will be motivated to get back to her typical winning ways this week to get massive points for the team. She's entered in the 100-breaststroke, 100-freestyle, 1,000-freestyle and a relay. On the men's side, keep an eye out for Caleb Stupin who's swimming some new events and will appear in the 200-backstroke, 200-breaststroke and 200-IM.
 
MEET ENTRIES | SOKA CAMPUS MAP | SOKA PARKING INFORMATION
 
ABOUT LAST MEET: Biola very nearly tasted victory over Azusa Pacific's women's team in a head-to-head dual meet. Factoring out diving (Biola did not register divers), the Eagles were just five points back from the Cougars in total team points. Biola got off to a huge lead in the meet and then saw APU come from behind by winning some events by hundredths of a second. The Eagles lost to APU by 51 points (not counting diving) one year ago, so it was an excellent turnaround - and Biola is just getting started. Head Coach Ryan Kauth was encouraged by the result and knows the team is right there to be able to take down its biggest rival (which only sponsors women's swimming). Nicole Chang was the standout, winning one individual event and one relay and finishing fourth in her other event.
 
BIOLA PERSONAL-BESTS (thru 4 meet weekends)
 
NEXT EVENT: DUALS AT ALASKA FAIRBANKS - Patty Center Pool (Fairbanks, Alaska) - Friday-Saturday, Nov. 16-17, 2018