Three Trojans Reach A-Finals As USC Closes Out Second Night of Competition At Pac-12 Championships

USC men's swimming saw three Trojans advance to A-finals during the second day of competition at the 2022 PAC-12 Men's Swimming Championships in Federal Way, Wash. on Thursday (March 3). 

USC currently sits in fifth place with three out of seven sessions complete and a total of 209 points. Stanford holds the lead with 363.5 points, followed by ASU (261.5), Arizona (233.5) and Cal (221.5). 

USC put two Trojans in the championship final of the 500y free, with Victor Johansson (4:15.34) and Daniel Matheson (4:15.77) posting qualifying times during prelims. In his first conference A-final appearance, Matheson touched fifth in a personal best 14:14.87 while Johansson finished seventh in 4:16.97. 

Trojan Ivan Puskovitch also earned a second swim, clocking a 4:25.04 during prelims to advance to the bonus final of the 500y free. The distance free specialist touched second in a personal best 14:21.53, earning an NCAA B-cut. 

Sophomore Holden Raffin headlined the bonus final of the 200y I.M., claiming the heat in 1:45.23.

Trojan Trent Pellini (1:44.84) and Ben Dillard (1:45.30) finished fifth and sixth, respectively in the consolation heat of the 200y individual medley. 

In the 50y freestyle, Trojan Artem Selin posted a 19.45 during prelims to secure a spot in the championship final. During finals, the freshman sprint specialist touched eighth in 19.54. 

Junior Max Saunders (19.76) and Nikola Miljenic (19.81) appeared in the bonus final of the 50y free as Saunders touched third and Miljenic claimed fourth.  

USC closed out the second evening of competition with a fifth place finish in the 200y freestyle relay as Selin, Miljenic, Alexei Sancov and Saunders combined for a 1:17.37. 

The meet continues through Saturday with  prelims at 11 a.m. each day and finals at 6 p.m.