LA JOLLA, Calif. – UC San Diego began its 2026-27 with the first day of the Triton Invitational at Canyonview Aquatic Center. The UC San Diego women lie in second place with 305 points, falling close behind Hawai'i (321). The men stand in third through the 12 events, earning 245 points.
 
17 Tritons made their UC San Diego debut on day one of competition, with three of them placing in the top five of an event at least once.
 
WOMEN'S HIGHLIGHTS
UC San Diego was led by second place finishes from a host of Tritons across four events. Belle Puckett took second in the women's 500 freestyle (4:57.30). With Megan Wang taking the spot in the women's 100 backstroke, Asia Kozan in the women's 200 IM, and Maddie O'Connell in the women's 50 freestyle. The Tritons placed third in the 200 medley relay, with O'Connell, Hayley Gregory, Eva Boehlke, and Dani Carter (1:40.96). Kozan had another top five finish placing fifth in the 200 butterfly (2:00.29). Sofia Wyzga followed Puckett, finishing third in the 500 freestyle (4:58.61).
 
QUOTABLE
"We had solid program representation on the first day of the Triton invite. I hope that we can be mentally tougher to push through physical pain and present even better results for the rest of the meet," Head Coach Marko Djordjevic states. "It is always fun to have a season opener competitive like this, we're happy to host one of the best teams in the country, Cal, as well as our traditional rivalry with Hawai'i, and we are thankful that Pomona-Pitzer joined us this year. Excited for senior day tomorrow!"

UP NEXT
UC San Diego will continue competition in the Triton Invitational tomorrow, Oct. 10. The morning session will begin at 10 a.m. at Canyonview Aquatic Center, with senior recognition following. The afternoon session will start at 2 p.m.
 
About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 24-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 84 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 39 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world's preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in NCAA Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.