Two Occasion Champions Energy Rice in Day One Lead

American newcomer Liberty sits second with 323 factors, adopted by East Carolina in third with 218.5.

Rice opened the finals session with a season-best efficiency within the 200-yard medley relay. Abigail King, Siiri Einio, Lily Archibald and Avery Karacz mixed to put third in 1:39.05.

Ava Portello claimed the primary of Rice’s two titles, defending her 500 freestyle crown in 4:42.67 to earn an automated NCAA berth. Ella Dyson completed third in 4:47.28, whereas Ava Hemblett (4:47.61) positioned fourth and Sami Johnson (4:49.70) completed tenth because the Owls totaled 104 factors within the occasion.

Rice dominated the 200 particular person medley, sweeping the highest two spots. Reese Cole gained the occasion in 1:58.28, and freshman Bella Zhang adopted in second at 1:59.06. Lily Cramer added an eighth-place end (2:01.97), whereas Gio Musiello (2:01.47) gained the B closing and Abigail King (2:04.17) within the C closing. The Owls scored 107 factors within the occasion, their highest complete of the day.

In the 50 freestyle, Avery Karacz (23.08), Lizzie Zadel (22.92) and Zara Bolton (23.36) mixed for 49.5 factors. Rice added 15.1 factors in workforce diving with a rating of 207.50.

“We had a great first day of the meet; lots of energy and some really great racing,” head coach Seth Huston stated. “Ava Portello earned an automatic NCAA bid with her 500 free victory and led from start to finish. The 1-2 finish in the 200 IM with Reese Cole and Bella Zhang was awesome. They stayed in their lane and executed their race plans to a T.”