University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Saturday, October 17
Woodland, Calif.
10 a.m. MT
University of Northern Colorado
at
MPSF Open Water Championships
Bears Win MPSF Open Water Championship
10/17/2026 4:51:00 PM | Women's Swimming & Diving
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Northern Colorado won the MPSF Open Water Swimming Championship on Saturday at Marine Stadium, claiming the overall team title.
The Bears' relay team of Kyra Rabess, Emma On-the-Hill, Ellyson Lombardi and Audrey Varet took first place in 26:00.7, leading Northern Colorado to the team championship.
"I am extremely proud of our girls racing to become the 2026 MPSF Open Water Relay and Overall Team Champions," assistant coach Kyle Ponsler said. "The preparation we have put into training and progressing as a program this fall makes this a tremendous accomplishment to start this season."
Rabess Qualifies for Nationals
Kyra Rabess finished second in the women's 5K at 1:01:52.8, a 1:14 per 100-meter pace, earning automatic qualification for both the 5K USA Swimming Open
Water National Championship and the CSCAA Nationals in December.
Emma On-the-Hill placed fourth at 1:01:55.9, also at a 1:14 pace. Ellyson Lombardi finished eighth at 1:04:02.9 and Audrey Varet took 12th at 1:04:43.7.
The Field
Sixteen schools from seven states competed at Marine Stadium, which hosted the Pan-Pacific 10K races this summer and will serve as the host for rowing and sprint canoe at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
SWOMEN CLUB
The Swomen Club plays a vital role in the success of UNC Swimming & Diving, providing elite training gear, enhanced nutrition and championship-level travel opportunities. These investments directly support our student-athletes and ensure the Bears are equipped to perform at the highest level.
FOLLOW THE BEARS:
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the women's swim and dive team on X (@UNC_BearsSwim), Instagram (@UNC_BearsSwim_Dive), and Facebook (/UNCOBearsswimdive).
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The Bears' relay team of Kyra Rabess, Emma On-the-Hill, Ellyson Lombardi and Audrey Varet took first place in 26:00.7, leading Northern Colorado to the team championship.
"I am extremely proud of our girls racing to become the 2026 MPSF Open Water Relay and Overall Team Champions," assistant coach Kyle Ponsler said. "The preparation we have put into training and progressing as a program this fall makes this a tremendous accomplishment to start this season."
Rabess Qualifies for Nationals
Kyra Rabess finished second in the women's 5K at 1:01:52.8, a 1:14 per 100-meter pace, earning automatic qualification for both the 5K USA Swimming Open
Water National Championship and the CSCAA Nationals in December.
Emma On-the-Hill placed fourth at 1:01:55.9, also at a 1:14 pace. Ellyson Lombardi finished eighth at 1:04:02.9 and Audrey Varet took 12th at 1:04:43.7.
The Field
Sixteen schools from seven states competed at Marine Stadium, which hosted the Pan-Pacific 10K races this summer and will serve as the host for rowing and sprint canoe at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
SWOMEN CLUB
The Swomen Club plays a vital role in the success of UNC Swimming & Diving, providing elite training gear, enhanced nutrition and championship-level travel opportunities. These investments directly support our student-athletes and ensure the Bears are equipped to perform at the highest level.
FOLLOW THE BEARS:
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the women's swim and dive team on X (@UNC_BearsSwim), Instagram (@UNC_BearsSwim_Dive), and Facebook (/UNCOBearsswimdive).
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Players Mentioned
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Tuesday, March 03
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Saturday, February 07
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