Northern Arizona Wins 2026 MPSF Swimming and Diving Championship

PHARR, Texas (February 28, 2026) – The Northern Arizona girls’s swimming and diving crew gained the 2026 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation convention championship on Saturday night, totaling 1,350 factors. The Lumberjacks claimed the title by 123 factors over New Mexico State.

The win marks the thirteenth straight convention championship for NAU swimming and diving, following a dominant 12-year run within the Western Athletic Conference earlier than becoming a member of the MPSF this 12 months.

“This was an overall team win,” head swimming coach Andy Johns mentioned. “From Wednesday night’s relays and the diving sweep, we had tremendous efforts and results from everyone. Our morning prelim sessions set us up well, and then almost everyone either moved up or swam faster at night to secure the points.”

Teddy Sabev opened the afternoon finals session within the 1,650-yard freestyle, clocking 17:01.59 to complete seventh.

Next was the 200-yard backstroke, the place Gracie Munk earned a podium end with a time of 1:58.46 to take bronze. Allie Hayes (2:01.78) and Kat Richter (2:05.34) competed within the “B” closing, ending tenth and fifteenth, respectively, whereas Summer Ferguson swam 2:03.66 within the “C” closing to put nineteenth.

The ‘Jacks had been represented within the 100-yard freestyle “A” closing by Kokona Watanabe, who completed sixth in 50.54, and Katarina Klatt, who positioned seventh in 50.64. Rosie Keith and Evalotta Aabrams certified for the “C” closing, recording instances of 51.56 and 51.74, respectively.

In the 200-yard breaststroke closing, NAU positioned two swimmers on the rostrum. Cydnie Perkins took silver and set a brand new college document together with her time of two:12.75, breaking the earlier mark of two:12.95 set by Hayley Mayhew on the identical pool in 2023.

Trelise Dance secured bronze in 2:15.38, whereas Mariana Diaz-Ponce completed fifth with a time of two:16.87.

Adding two extra podium finishes, Isahbel Krast was second within the 200-yard butterfly “A” closing with a time of two:01.65, and Elsa Musselman adopted carefully in third at 2:01.70. Kaci Kelaher positioned fifth in 2:02.37.

Margaret Wesche secured her third podium end of the championship, taking third within the platform diving occasion with a rating of 242.40. Her twin, Grace Wesche, adopted in fourth with 238.30.

Mackenna Stocker scored 221.25 to complete seventh. In her four-year profession, she has earned a top-eight end in all three diving occasions every year.

“I am so proud of all the divers. A podium sweep on the 1-meter, Maggie with three podiums. All three veteran seniors finished in the top eight in all three events. A rookie senior scored in the 3-meter and platform and nearly made the top 16 on platform. They’ve done so well,” head diving coach Nikki Kelsey mentioned. “Mack is the only diver to make the top eight in all three events all four years, which is fantastic. They all did great, and even when it wasn’t easy, they fought for it. There were so many great swims, too. Lucky 13 feels pretty awesome! Love this group!”

The closing occasion of the night was the 400-yard freestyle relay. NAU’s crew of Musselman, Watanabe, Klatt, and Kelaher positioned second with a time of three:20.92 to earn one other podium end.

“The divers were outstanding in all three events and provided some much-needed points early in the meet, but the swimmers held their own, especially the last two days, and put some distance between us and New Mexico State and Northern Colorado, two very good teams that are well coached,” Johns added.

“Our depth in the butterfly and breaststroke really separated us from the field. I’m so proud of our team and happy for our seniors. They’ve been such great leaders and tough competitors during their careers, so it’s fitting for them to go out as champions.”

Over the 4 days, Northern Arizona earned two gold, seven silver, and eight bronze medals.

NAU will host the NCAA Zone “E” Diving meet on the Wall Aquatic Center from March Sep 11.

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Women – Team Rankings – Through Event 42

1. Northern Arizona 1,350

2. New Mexico State 1,227

3. Northern Colorado 1,171.5

4. California Baptist 980.5

5. Idaho 942

6. Pepperdine 610

7. Utah Tech 604

8. Pacific 431

9. Incarnate Word 420.5

10. UTGRV 271.5