Swim and Dive captures first dual win over CSU in program history

Friday, February 5

Fort Collins, Colo.

5 pm

University of Northern Colorado

113

Colorado State

2/5/2021 7:53:00 PM | Women's Swimming & Diving

FINAL RESULTS

By: By Thomas Hoffman, UNCBears.com

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – There's no debate about it! Northern Colorado is the undisputed best Swim and Dive program in the state this season following a 113-91 dual win at rival Colorado State.

Head coach Lisa Ebeling's squad picked up nine wins in 13 races en route to the program's first-ever win against the Rams.

The Bears kicked off the night with back-to-back first-place finishes in the 200-yard medley relay and the 1,000-yard freestyle.

With her performance in the 1,000 free, junior Anna Austin continued her dominance in the long-distance events in 2020-21. Her time of 10:33.69 was also a season-best for the Arvada native. Unsurprisingly, Austin also won the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:08.05.

Freshman Chelaine Van De Westhuizen has kept her momentum going since arriving on campus in the middle of the season. Touching the wall first in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:06.63, she picked up her first individual win as a Bear, while also aiding in the winning effort in the 200 medley relay.

Saana Liikonen accounted for three of UNC's victories on Friday evening. Anchoring both winning relays, Liikonen showcased her speed once more in the sprints, taking home the 50-yard freestyle at 23.86.

Northern Colorado's other speedster, Madelyn Moore, got her turn in the 100-yard freestyle. The junior from Bermuda clocked in a time of 51.70 and set the tone in the lead-off spot in both relays.

Paula Nunez Blazquez turned in one of her best efforts of the season. With a 4:35.89 in the 400-yard IM, the Spaniard kept a run of five straight wins during the meet going.

In one of the closest races of the night, Katelyn Bergin made sure to outswim CSU's Jennae Frederick. Bergin touched the wall just .17 seconds ahead of the Ram, clocking in at 57.28. She would go on to help the Bears cap off the historic evening, swimming the third leg of the 200 free relay.

DECK TALK
Lisa Ebeling, Head Coach
"Tonight was another big step for our team. CSU is a strong program and historically has been way out of our league. This was a fun win for us to close out the dual meet season. Now it's time for the girls to fine-tune for WAC Championship and reap the rewards of their hard work this season."

WHAT's AHEAD
The Bears will head to Denver's First Chance Meet on February 13, as one last stop before the WAC Championships, which are slated for February 17, in St. George, Utah.

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.