Reece Whitley

With the mentality of underdogs, the Bears put up dominant performances at the Minnesota Invitational, taking home 14 first-place finishes.

Though Texas came out of the Minnesota Invitational on top last year, Cal enters this year’s rendition having won the two teams’ most recent matchup.

No. 1 Cal men’s swimming showed its prowess Friday when it faced No. 6 Stanford in the Triple Distance Meet, winning three out of six events and both relays.

Although Cal nearly swept the Triple Distance Meet last year, fans should anticipate a close match between the Bay Area rivals.

Having gone into this meet against Pacific at half-strength last year, the Bears hope to showcase their dominance with a full roster and continue to strengthen their team for the upcoming seasons.

With the exception of the two events that the Bears raced as exhibitions, the blue and gold took home first and second in each swimming race.

Since 2012, Cal men’s swimming has faced Utah five times, defeating the Utes by at least 69 points in each matchup.

In an impressive start to the postseason, the Bears took home the Pac-12 championship trophy for the fifth year in a row.

Following Cal’s Triple Distance Meet against Stanford, the Bears look to the Minnesota Invite where they will compete against nationally ranked Texas, Michigan, and Wisconsin.