Lumberjacks open 2026 at dwelling in twin with Colorado State

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (January 5, 2026) – Northern Arizona Swimming & Diving opened the brand new 12 months Monday afternoon on the Wall Aquatic Center, posting a number of occasion victories and a dominant efficiency on the diving boards in a 163.5–136.5 twin resolution to Colorado State.

The Lumberjacks managed each springboard occasions, sweeping the highest three spots on 1-meter and 3-meter diving. Makenna Stocker led the best way with a successful rating of 300.83 on the 1-meter, adopted carefully by Margaret Wesche (290.40) and Grace Wesche (282.68). Stocker backed up her efficiency with one other victory on the 3-meter, scoring 320.33, whereas Maggie (312.83) and Grace (303.60) as soon as once more accomplished the sweep for NAU.

Northern Arizona additionally picked up a number of wins within the pool, highlighted by sturdy distance and butterfly performances. Theodora Sabev opened the scoring surge for the Lumberjacks by successful the 1,000-yard freestyle in 10:38.31, whereas Cydnie Perkins adopted with a victory within the 100-yard breaststroke, touching in 1:02.18. In the 200-yard butterfly, Kaci Kelaher claimed first place with a time of two:04.14, narrowly edging teammate Elsa Musselman, who completed second in 2:04.16 for a key NAU one-two end. Musselman later returned to win the 100-yard butterfly in 55.17.

The Lumberjacks opened the meet with a powerful exhibiting within the 400-yard medley relay, because the “A” staff of Gracie Munk, Perkins, Isahbel Krasht, and Kokona Watanabe completed second with a time of three:42.18. To shut the afternoon, NAU’s prime quartet of Watanabe, Musselman, Camryn Brown, and Munk mixed for a 1:34.12 end within the 200-yard freestyle relay.

Northern Arizona continued to stack factors all through the meet with depth throughout a number of occasions, together with a third-place end from Evalotta Aabrams within the 200-yard freestyle (1:53.82) and a fourth-place effort from Rosie Keith (1:54.48), retaining the Lumberjacks inside hanging distance by means of the center of the twin.

Head coach Andy Johns mirrored on the meet and the expansion alternative it offered.” It was a great meet and we were right there early, but after that first break they came out and took control for a stretch and we couldn’t quite recover,” Johns mentioned. “Our diving group was outstanding and really kept us in it with the one-two-three sweeps, and the 200 butterfly was another big moment for us. Overall, our group is a little tired, and that’s okay, this is a great learning opportunity. We’ll take a lot from it, get better, and turn our focus to Arizona on Friday for another good test.”

Head Diving Coach Nikki Kelsey praised her group’s consistency and early-season confidence. “I thought our divers did a great job showing confidence and consistency this early in the season, which is exactly where we want to be right now,” Kelsey mentioned. “There are still things we can clean up,  we don’t want to be at our best yet,  but this was a really good place to start. Going one-two-three on both boards is incredible, and Kirsten is coming along well and starting to put together some really good dives. We’re excited about where this group is heading as we move into the rest of the semester and toward the championship meets.”

Northern Arizona returns to motion Friday with a highway take a look at at Arizona because the Lumberjacks proceed their early-season slate.

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