Swim and Dive ends WAC Championships with most points scored in program history

Saturday, February 26

Houston, TX

University of Northern Colorado

WAC Championships Day 4

WAC Sports Swimming & Diving Championship Bergin

Photo by: Juan DeLeon Creative

2/26/2022 10:03:00 PM | Women's Swimming & Diving

By: By Thomas Hoffman, UNCBears.com

HOUSTON, Texas – Two more school records fell as Northern Colorado finished third at the 2022 WAC Championships with its highest-ever point total at 530.5.

The final evening kicked off with the grueling 1650 free. Senior Anna Austin didn't disappoint, swimming a personal best 16:56.32. Natalie Kayfes shaved more than 20 seconds off her best time, coming in at 17:20.21.

Paula Nunez Blazquez dropped nearly two seconds in her 200 back. She swam a 2:01.36 to grab a ninth place and a personal best. Meanwhile, AJ Popp hit the wall at 2:05.34, Hannah Kingscote turned in a 2:07.28 and Zoe Gawronska came in at 2:05.76.

How bout Paula Nunez Blazquez taking home the consolation finals!#GetUpGreeley 🐻🏊‍♀️ | #WACsd pic.twitter.com/07coUErpxS
— UNCBears Swim & Dive (@UNC_BearsSwim) February 27, 2022

Madelyn Moore wasn't going to leave Houston without three individual golds. Resetting the record book once again in the 100 free, Moore grabbed gold and another NCAA B cut with a 49.10.

Make it another school record in the 100 free for Maddy Moore! It's a 49.10!!#GetUpGreeley 🐻🏊‍♀️ | #WACsd pic.twitter.com/HA2D6IzW7i
— UNCBears Swim & Dive (@UNC_BearsSwim) February 27, 2022

Ali Jackson got herself a win in the consolation finals. The Cayman Island native hit the wall at 50.76, with teammate Saana Liikonen right behind at 51.42.

Elizabeth Mayer earned a place in the bonus finals and swam a 52.89.

Podium finishes kept coming for the Blue and Gold as Chelaine van der Westhuizen grabbed bronze at 2:16.27. Bryanna Ungs came right behind, earning valuable points with a 2:16.31. Sunna Svanlaug Vilhjalmsdottir also made the championship finals and placed sixth, swimming a 2:17.93.

Bronze medal for Chelaine van der Westhuizen in the 200 breast!#GetUpGreeley 🐻🏊‍♀️ | #WACsd pic.twitter.com/Rm75ywa8in
— UNCBears Swim & Dive (@UNC_BearsSwim) February 27, 2022

In the bonus finals, Emina Pasukan grabbed a 2:19.48.

Northern Colorado placed another three swimmers in the championship finals of the 200 fly. Katelyn Bergin had reset the school record in prelims but fellow Bear Payten Irwin rewrote the mark with a 1:58.71. It was good enough for Irwin's second bronze of the week and an NCAA B cut.

Bronze and a SCHOOL RECORD for Payten Irwin!! #GetUpGreeley 🐻🏊‍♀️ | #WACsd pic.twitter.com/CviCSRcZ6r
— UNCBears Swim & Dive (@UNC_BearsSwim) February 27, 2022

Bergin wasn't far behind, clocking in at 2:01.27 and Austin claimed eighth with a 2:05.99 to finish her marathon of a day. Giulia Pavanello claimed crucial points, winning the consolation finals at 2:02.29.

The 2022 WAC Championships came to a close with the ever-exciting 400 free relay. Saana Liikonen, Ali Jackson, Giulia Pavanello and Madelyn Moore were graced with the task of ending the meet on a high note. The quartet swam its fastest time of the season, clocking in at 3:21.33 and claiming the bronze medal.

In total, Northern Colorado amassed four gold medals, three silver, six bronze and seven school records.

Deck Talk
Head coach, Lisa Ebeling
"There are no words to describe the way our team came together this year. They worked hard all year to create a culture of excellence in a team-first environment that lead to a historic season. On the year we have 109 lifetime best times, 9 NCAA qualifying standards, 45 swims qualified for the CSCAA National Championship, 53 swims in the top time all-time UNC performances list, and 15 school-record performances. I've never been a part of a team effort this impressive and our results are a huge testament to the resilience and character of our women. They are a special group and I'm incredibly fortunate to work with them. I am so excited for the future of this program!"

What's next
Those who hit NCAA B cuts will await the results from around the nation to see whether they get into the NCAA Championships next month. UNC will compete at the National Invitational Championship in Indiana March 10-12.

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.