EDISON, NJ – Following standout performances against MAAC opponent Manhattan, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) has named Saint Peter's Swimming & Diving sophomore
Gwendolyn Mendez and senior
Victor Fuentes as the Jersey Mike's Swimmers of the Week, the league office announced Wednesday.
The honors mark the sixth and seventh MAAC weekly awards collected by the Peacocks this season and the first career weekly honors for both Mendez and Fuentes.
Mendez opened the 2026 calendar year with a dominant showing, leading Saint Peter's with four gold medals, including three individual victories, as the Peacocks swept the Jaspers on both the men's and women's sides at Saturday's dual meet against Manhattan.
She was a key member of the winning 200-yard medley relay, helping the Peacocks touch the wall in 1:52.72, nearly three seconds ahead of the field. Individually, Mendez swept the breaststroke events, winning the 50-yard breaststroke by nearly four seconds (33.25) and the 100-yard breaststroke by more than two seconds (1:10.15). She capped her day with a commanding victory in the 200-yard individual medley, finishing 10 seconds ahead of the competition in a season-best time of 2:18.70.
Fuentes also delivered a standout performance, leading the Saint Peter's men's squad with four podium finishes as the Peacocks completed the sweep of Manhattan. His effort was highlighted by two individual gold medals, an individual silver, and a relay victory.
Fuentes was a key contributor to the winning 200-yard medley relay, helping the Peacocks stop the clock at 1:38.17. Individually, he swept the breaststroke events, winning the 50-yard breaststroke in 27.59 and the 100-yard breaststroke in 59.14, the only sub-minute swim in the event. He closed his day with a silver medal in the 100-yard individual medley, posting a season-best time of 57.57.
Saint Peter's returns to action on Saturday, January 24, for its final home meet of the season, hosting LIU, Felician, and Monmouth at the Victor R. Yanitelli, S.J. Recreational Life Center. The Peacocks will also honor their six graduating seniors.
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