Moore breaks record, Bears impress at Day 1 of Mid-Season Invite

Thursday, November 18

St. George, UT

University of Northern Colorado

173

Mid Season Invitational Day 1

11/18/2021 8:23:00 PM | Women's Swimming & Diving

RESULTS

By: By Thomas Hoffman, UNCBears.com

ST. GEORGE, Utah. – It's only the first day of the Mid-Season invitational but Northern Colorado is out to prove the Bears are a force to reckoned with this season. Following 20 lifetime best swims, three NIC qualifying times and a school record, UNC sits third with 173 points in a deeply talented meet.

Relays have been a strength for the Bears all season long for head coach Lisa Ebeling. That proved no different on the first day of the Mid-season Invitational.

Beginning with the 200 free relay, the team of Saana Liikonen, AJ Popp, Payten Irwin and Madelyn Moore swam nearly three seconds faster than they did at Wyoming two weeks ago. Their time of 1:31.39 was just .07 seconds off a school record and only bested by the squad from UC San Diego.

Giulia Pavanello led the Bears' effort in the 500 free, clocking a time of 4:58.84, which goes down as the fastest time in the Western Athletic Conference this season.

Reclaiming her crown as the fastest 200 IM swimmer in the conference, Katelyn Bergin hit the wall at 2:02.80. Paula Nunez Blazquez was also in the A final, touching in at a speedy 2:05.47.

We're only halfway through the season and Madelyn Moore is already hitting a frightening pace for opponents. Moore outswam everyone in the 50 free, broke her school record and secured an NCAA 'B' cut time with a 22.20.

Saana Liikonen also turned in a scoring effort in the sprint, touching in at 23.48.

Moore, Liikonen, Bergin and Chelaine van der Westhuizen bookended a powerful first day in St. George with a massive victory in the 400 medley relay. Close to another school record, the quartet turned in a time of 3:41.86 to carry a mountain of momentum into day two.

DECK TALK
Head coach, Lisa Ebeling
"I am incredibly proud of our team tonight. After a morning of ups and downs, the girls showed up to finals on an absolute mission. We are walking away from day one with 20 lifetime best times, 3 NIC qualifying times and a school record from Maddy's 50 free. Everyone stepped up to support one another and the energy on deck was electric. I am excited to watch our women keep the momentum rolling for the rest of the sessions!"

WHAT'S AHEAD
Two more days in St. George, Utah lie ahead of Northern Colorado before taking a break until January 7, when they pick up the season meeting Air Force in Tri-Meet with Utah Tech.

To stay up to date on all things UNC Swim and Dive, visit UNCBears.com, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the new UNC Athletics app by clicking here.