UPSASWPC Reach The BUSL Finals

Written by: UPSU

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For the last three years Swimming, Artistic Swimming & Water Polo (UPSASWPC) has competed in BUSL; a national competition composed of three rounds.

This year we went against Exeter and for the first time Falmouth for two head-to-head matches. We also took a B team to both matches, which helped foster the team spirit and give more people a chance to race. Both teams did a great job with numerous uni records broken amongst our swimmers. After both points were added together we finished second out of the conference.

Going into phase 2 we went against both Exeter and Falmouth again some great swims. Including some race wins from Kirsty Neill, Hayden Sole and Eja Coe. As a team, we were able to maintain our second ranking within the conference. Qualifying for the national A final. As a uni we have only ever qualified for the B final, including coming second place last year at our uni debut in the national final.

Out of 67 unis across Britain, only 20 unis made it to the national A final this year, Plymouth being one of them. The team did a great job with 4 personal best times swam and 6 season best times swam. We took 16 swimmers up to Cardiff to race in a range of events, the team ended the night with 9 races within the top 10 quickest finishing times and every single female race being within the top 15th.

Overall the team came 15th, 3 points short of 14th. Going up against unis like Bath, Loughborough and Oxford the team had some tough competition. Some stand out swims included Eja Coe for her 100m IM personal best time and qualifying for the fastest heat of skins and finishing 4th overall, Zahra Fitzpatrick finishing 7th and 8th in both her fly individual and our amazing relay teams.

As a society we have also been able to host both phase 1 and 2. Our committee ran the entire event, ensuring that it runs smoothly. Having the correct amount of volunteers to officiate the event. Also making sure that the times are all input correctly and sent on time to BUSL. We also have organised transport to Cardiff and have funded this throughout club events.