Cyclones Open 2026 with Strong Street Exhibiting at UNI

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The Cyclone swimming and diving workforce opened its street twin in opposition to UNI and St. Thomas on Saturday with a dominant efficiency on the boards earlier than turning its consideration to the swimming occasions. The Cyclones diving group put them in an early lead, which produced a number of podium finishes to set the tone for the meet.

“Our first meet in 2026 is under our belt and coming off a tough training block I think we responded well,” stated head coach Matt Leach. “We have more work to do but I feel like we are seeing the technical changes that we have been working on. This is a solid step for us into the new year and we have a lot more growth and development to come!”

How it Happened –

Iowa State opened the competitors with a powerful displaying in 1-meter diving, the place the Cyclones claimed three of the highest 5 spots. Maggie Bendell led the way in which with a win, scoring 278.40, whereas Kate Mitchell adopted shut behind in second with a rating of 261.35. Jade Hazes earned a fifth-place end with 251.55, giving Iowa State an early benefit.

The Cyclones continued to supply on the 3-meter boards, as Mitchell took first place with a rating of 288.05. Bendell added one other podium end, inserting third with 276.05, whereas Ally Blumenfeld and Hazes rounded out the scoring for Iowa State by ending fifth (261.20) and sixth (255.40), respectively.

Iowa State carried its momentum from the boards into the swimming occasions, opening with a powerful displaying within the 200 medley relay because the Cyclone “A” squad of Piper Hagen, Grace Swoboda, Kendall Mallers and Emma Kuhn completed second in 1:46.09, with the “B” relay of Lili Neisser, Anja Peck, Keirlyn Mullica and Megan Marquardt shut behind in fourth (1:47.72).

The Cyclones continued to attain early within the 200 freestyle, led by Corinne Guist, who positioned third in 1:56.59, adopted intently by Hagen in fourth (1:56.71) and Carlotta Gazzola in seventh (1:57.67).

Distance occasions had been additionally a serious energy for Iowa State, as Gazzola positioned first in each the 1000 and 500 freestyle, the place Guist positioned second and third. Gazzola claimed the 1000 in 10:30.73 with Guist proper behind in 10:33.23, and the pair confirmed an identical efficiency within the 500, with Gazzola successful in 5:08.82 and Guist third in 5:10.84.

The Cyclones additionally discovered success within the breaststroke occasions. Grace Swoboda delivered a standout efficiency within the 100 breaststroke, successful the occasion in 1:02.47, whereas Anja Peck adopted with a runner-up end in 1:04.47. This success continued within the 200 breaststroke, with Peck main Iowa State within the occasion.

Event Winners

200 Medley Relay: UNI, (Brayton, Giedrys, Sander, Lear), 1:45.73

1000 Freestyle: Carlotta Gazzola, Iowa State, 10:30.73

200 Freestyle: Morgan Meyer, UNI, 1:53.45

100 Backstroke: Jordyn Davis, St. Thomas, 56.68

100 Breaststroke: Grace Swoboda, Iowa State, 1:02.47

200 Butterfly: Kendall Mallers, Iowa State, 2:05.85

50 Freestyle: Abby Lear, UNI, 23.78

1M Diving: Maggie Bendell, Iowa State, 278.40

100 Freestyle: Morgan Meyer, UNI, 52.49

200 Backstroke: Lili Neisser, Iowa State, 2:04.24

200 Breaststroke: Anja Peck, Iowa State, 2:18.56

500 Freestyle: Carlotta Gazzola, Iowa State, 5:08.82

100 Butterfly: Nikki Walters, UNI, 57.08

3M Diving: Kate Mitchell, Iowa State, 288.05

200 IM: Emma Kuhn, Iowa State, 2:05.69

200 Freestyle Relay: UNI, (Sander, Lear, Raether, Meyer), 1:35.26

On Deck

The Cyclones will likely be on the street once more on January 16-17 the place they are going to head to Houston to compete within the Big 12 Duals.