Texas Tops Cal, UNLV Upsets Arizona in Exciting Weekend of Racing

By Lauren Sampl, Swimming World intern

BOULDER, Colorado, October 17. FAST times were abundant this weekend as several of the nation's top teams squared off against one another. Swimmers from the Pac-10 and Big XII posted some sizzling times in dual meet action. Here are the highlights from the weekend.

Texas and Cal met in Berkeley on Saturday in an extremely close contest. The Longhorns emerged victorious by a mere 12 points over the Golden Bears, 156-144. Laura Sogar had a phenomenal meet for Texas, winning the 100 breast in an eye-popping time of 1:00.97, and blazing to a time of 2:10.15 in the 200 breast, besting her own school record of 2:10.31 from the Big XII Championships last season. Leah Gingrich also had a fantastic meet for the lady Longhorns, winning the 1000 free (9:59.22) and 200 fly (1:58.10). Karlee Bispo had impressive swims for Texas, highlighted by a B-cut effort of 1:46.97 in the 200 free, the fastest in the nation thus far.

Diving proved to be key in the Longhorns' victory, as Maren Taylor recorded victories on both the 1-meter and 3-meter events.

Liv Jensen and Cindy Tran led the way for Cal, as Jensen scorched the sprint events with winning times of 22.45 (50 free) and 49.41 (100 free). Both times were the fastest in Division I so far this season. Tran won the 100 back in a quick time of 54.49.

Arizona welcomed squads from Kansas, UNLV, and Arizona State to the Desert over the weekend. Junior Alyssa Anderson led the way for the victorious Wildcats, winning the 200 free (1:48.93), 200 fly (2:01.41), and 200 IM (2:05.80). Freshman Margo Geer posted sizzling times in the 50 free (22.77) and 100 free (49.68), good enough for two victories. Hannah Ross also contributed two wins for the Arizona women in the 100 back (56.00) and 200 back (1:59.91).

Meanwhile, the UNLV men pulled off a stunning upset over the Arizona men, winning nine of 14 events in the meet. Kyle Virva was a double winner for the Rebels, posting times of 45.41 (100 free) and 1:39.84 (200 free). David Szele (100 breast), Steven Nelms (50 free), Andrew Morrell (200 breast), Spencer Wollkind (500 free), and Cody Roberts (100 fly) also won events for UNLV.

At the George Haines Invitational, the Stanford women took home the title with strong performances from several newcomers. Freshman Andie Taylor took home wins in the 200 fly (2:01.26) and 500 free (4:47.65), while fellow freshman Maya DiRado claimed first place finishes in the100 back (55.95) and 200 back (1:59.67).
Veteran Liz Smith contributed three wins for the Cardinal, winning the 100 breast (1:03.75), 200 breast (2:12.90), and 200 IM (2:02.17).

In Division II action, North Dakota edged South Dakota State, with a handful of swimmers posting multiple victories. Veronica Medon (100 back, 59.15; 200 back, 2:06.57), Devonne Dalin (50 free, 24.48; 200 free 1:55.83), Camille Merwin (100 breast, 1:07.51; 200 breast, 2:25.84), and Caitlin Conci (100 fly, 58.51; 200 fly, 2:09.24) all had two wins apiece for the Fighting Sioux.

For all the college action from this weekend, check out the College Channel.

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