By Mason Nesbitt, TMU Sports Information Director

Journey Werner will be the first to admit it.

The freshman swimmer did not expect to go to NAIA nationals in three individual events this season. She planned to attend The Master’s University and “do my best, swim for the Lord.” But …

“Obviously, He had some other plans for me and the team,” Werner said.

Werner is one of two Mustangs who have qualified for this month’s NAIA nationals in three individual events. Master’s has also qualified four relays.

On Saturday, the final day of the Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference Championships in La Mirada, Werner hit the NAIA’s bonus cut in the 100-yard freestyle, finishing in 57.20 seconds.

Because she qualified in the 50 free and 100 backstroke earlier in the week, she’ll have the opportunity to compete in the 100 free at nationals, as well.

She won’t be alone.

TMU freshman Caroline Barnett has also qualified in a trio of events.

Barnett hit the NAIA cut in the 100 free on Saturday (55.03), after doing so in the 50 free and 100 butterfly at the four-day conference championships.

Barnett and Werner will also be part of several Mustang relays that will make the trip to Columbus, Georgia, Feb. 27 to March 2 to compete against some of the country’s best.

Master’s added the 400-free relay on Saturday, when Werner, Barnett, Faith Cancik and Heidi Larsen swam it in 3:57.77, more almost 15 seconds under the NAIA cut.

Freshmen Simone Williams and Alisal Perez have also been part of NAIA qualifying relays this season.

“I feel really blessed to be here,” said Werner, “and I’m excited to see what else God has in store in the future.”