McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Looking to avoid any notion of a New Year's lull, the Linfield Wildcats appeared focused and capable during their Friday night dual meet sweep of the Lewis & Clark Pioneers at the Linfield Aquatics Center.
 
The Wildcats were competing for the first time in nearly a month, and if there was any rust, it wasn't apparent on a Senior Night that began by paying tribute to the Wildcats' 11 graduating seniors.
 
Linfield's men produced a 124-76 win over Lewis & Clark. The Wildcat women defeated their Pioneer counterparts 111-94.
 
Matt Lemire, Noah Cutting, Daisuke Fitial and Evette Dow all won two individual events to lead the Wildcats.
 
Men
Lemire was victorious in the 1,650 freestyle (16:53.19), topping teammate David Flores (17:43.09). Lemire also edged fellow Wildcat Hugh Hammons in the 400 individual medley (4:32.98 to 4:35.02).
 
Cutting won both the 100 freestyle (48.61) and the 200 freestyle (1:46.22). Trevor Gourley blazed to a winning time in the 50 freestyle (21.86) and won the 100 breaststroke (1:00.78).
 
Fitial was one second faster than fellow 'Cat Joseph Simpson in the 100 butterfly, 52.55 to 53.76. Fitial also claimed top honors in the 100 backstroke (58.70).
 
Flores was a clear-cut winner in the 500 freestyle, beating L&C's August Bergh by nearly five seconds, 5:01.17 to 5:06.11.
 
Women
Dow prevailed easily in the 1,650 freestyle (18:01.94), winning the event by nearly a full minute ahead of L&C's Sabrina Murray (19:00.36). Dow also turned in winning results in the 100 backstroke (1:00.69) and the 500 freestyle (5:27.37).
 
Lottie Steward claimed the 200 freestyle (2:04.45), nipping teammate Molly Shields (2:06.16).
 
Kaedi Fry had to fend off a strong challenge from L&C's Caroline Karson in the 100 breaststroke. Fry timed out at 1:09.04 while Karson clocked 1:09.94.
 
Fry teamed with Shields, Tahnijo Kakazu and Vianka Hoyer for a winning time in the 200 medley relay. Kakazu, Alexis Murphy, Lauren Morrison and Molli Hartzell won the 200 freestyle relay by .33 seconds over the foursome from Lewis & Clark.
 
Next
The Wildcats are set to compete in another NWC dual meet on Saturday when they visit Pacific. Action starts at 10 a.m. at the Forest Grove Aquatic Center.