Pepperdine University
Rodionoff Invitational
Swim & Dive Open Season with Win in Rodionoff Invitational
10/10/2026 5:08:00 PM | Women's Swim/Dive
MALIBU, Calif. – Pepperdine swim and dive captured victory at the annual Rodionoff Invitational, finishing with 294.5 points to edge Utah Tech (269) in the season-opener.
This is such a special weekend for our program, head coach Dan Marella said. We had the biggest alumni presence in recent memory, quality swimming while in a very tough training block, diving dominance, all while carrying incredible energy throughout the weekend. It's great to be in the win category, but it's time to refocus and have a great Monday morning practice.
The Waves picked up five event wins, led by a sweep of the top three spots in the 200 back. Sophia Blietz won the event in 2:05.08, followed by freshman Riley Kleinfelder (2:07.11) in second, and Ansley Halbach (2:07.40) in third. Mollie Cho took the 200 fly at 2:06.27, and Layla Busquets won the 100 back in 59.26. Kleinfelder placed third in that event as well (59.37), and added a third-place finish in the 200 IM (2:09.73).
Pepperdine also swept on the boards. Eastern Michigan transfer Taityn Speier won both the 3-meter (273.65) and the 1-meter (262.85), and Jackie Johnson was second in each (265.35 and 254.00). Newcomers Bailey Mahoney (238.05) and Miley Cavaness (213.00) took third in the 3-meter and 1-meter, respectively.
The Waves had podium finishes in all four relays they placed in. The 400 free relay team of Carlee Davis, Aliyah Fan, Halbach and Maile Sullivan took second (3:33.31). The 400 medley relay of Busquets, Kiana Fan, Aliyah Fan and Davis was also second (3:53.77). Freshman Zoe Venetta swam on two relays: the second-place 200 free relay with Busquets, Aliyah Fan and Sullivan (1:36.77), and the third-place 200 medley relay with Busquets, Kiana Fan and Aliyah Fan (1:46.80).
Pepperdine added more top-three finishes in individual events:
- Halbach tied for second in the 400 IM (4:31.94) and placed third in the 1000 free (10:31.52). Ava Taylor and Adia Peterson were fourth and fifth in that event.
- Cho was third in the 200 breast (2:24.47).
- Kiana Fan was third in the 100 breast (1:06.47).
- Aliyah Fan was third in the 200 free (1:55.29).
- Sullivan was third in the 50 free (24.17).
- Taylor was third in the 500 free (5:06.96), one-hundredth of a second behind second place.
Women's Division I Team Standings
Pepperdine (294.5)
Utah Tech (269)
California Baptist (182)
San Diego (69.5)
Full results can be accessed here.
The Waves are back in action Thursday, Oct. 15 against San Diego State. They face the Aztecs in Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
ABOUT PEPPERDINE SWIM AND DIVE
Pepperdine swimming & diving has a rich history spanning four decades, having posted top-five finishes in its conference in 32 of 39 seasons. The Waves have captured three conference championships in the past four seasons, its first three conference titles, winning its first MPSF Championship in 2025 after joining the conference the season prior. In 38 seasons in the PCSC, the Waves saw 48 individual champions and 20 PCSC Swimmer or Diver of the Year awards. Andreea Trufasu stands as the program's lone Olympian, having competed in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
FOLLOW
To stay up-to-date on the latest Pepperdine swim and dive news, follow the Waves on social media @PepperdineWSD.
