Diving Record Shattered as Swimming Dominates From Across The Pool

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Trojans kicked off day one of the House of Champions in spectacular fashion, breaking the school record in the team diving event. With over 10 new top-10 all-time performances across individual events, the team showcased their depth and determination. With two days left in this thrilling three-day meet, the Trojans are just getting started.


200 Free Relay
The Trojans were propelled by sophomore Elena Nikolaeva, who delivered a stellar performance with a 23.19, marking the fourth-fastest time in program history to kick off the race. Jaelle Carlson and Erma Duratovic maintained the lead against fierce competition, setting up senior Lauren Pieniazkiewicz for an electrifying finish. Pieniazkiewicz blazed through the anchor leg with a remarkable 22.74, securing the team's victory with a final time of 1:33.43.

50 Back
The first individual event of the evening, the 50 backstroke, saw freshman Beatriz Comini Romero shine from the outside lane, claiming 2nd place in the B final with an impressive time of 26.01. Caitlin Romprey also delivered a strong performance, securing 6th place with a time of 26.30. 

500 Free
This event was nothing short of thrilling. During the morning session, 5th-year Gabby O'Neil broke the five-minute barrier with a 4:59.50, placing her 3rd on the program's all-time performers list in the 500 freestyle. She went on to secure 8th place in the A final. Sophomore Olivia Elgin had a phenomenal showing in the B final, swimming a lifetime best of 5:00.76, which earned her the 5th spot on the all-time performers list. Meanwhile, freshman Carol Heinz impressed at her first collegiate mid season meet, claiming 4th on the all-time list with a 5:00.14 in the C final.

200 IM
Senior Gillian Boggs led the Trojans in the B final, delivering an exciting performance to secure 2nd place with a season-best time of 2:04.30. Freshman Anna Nishikazi made her finals debut, finishing 6th in the C final with a strong 2:06.63, capping off the IM event for the Trojans.

50 Freestyle

The Trojans dominated the finals of the 50 freestyle, showcasing their depth and talent across multiple heats. In the C final, 5th-year Cheryl Poulsen and Erma Duratovic kicked things off with times of 23.80 and 23.70, respectively. Duratovic's morning swim of 23.60 placed her 10th in the all time performers list, with O'neil, who exhibitioned the event and swam a 23.60 to take 9th on the all-time list.

The A final was a showcase of Trojan power, with three athletes in contention. Nikolaeva delivered a solid performance with a 23.47, while senior Pieniazkiewicz continued to lower her lifetime best, clocking a 23.28 to secure a spot in the program's top 5 all-time performers.

Senior Carlson, in her signature style, shaved time off her morning swim to nearly reach the school record, touching in 22.73 to become 2nd all-time in program history. She capped off the night by claiming 3rd place in the A final, concluding an exciting evening of individual events for the Trojans.

Diving
The action was electric on the diving boards as divers Kyra Apodaca, Delaney Nickles, and Tatum Malatin kicked off the morning with a new team event record of 256.85 points, setting the stage for an exciting day.

The Trojan women continued their strong showing in the individual events, starting with the 1-meter board. Nickles and Malatin finished 11th and 15th, respectively. Apodaca, after a strong performance in the prelims, advanced to the A final, where she secured 8th place with 217 points, wrapping up the diving events for day one.

400 Medley Relay
The Trojans made a strong push in the final event of the evening, shaving off 6 seconds to claim 5th place. Romprey led the charge with a season-best time of 56.31, setting the tone for the race. Adara Stoddard and Pieniazkiewicz worked tirelessly to maintain their positions, while Carlson brought it home with a blazing 49.56, securing the finish and holding onto their spot.
 
Little Rock currently sits in 3rd place after day one of competition at the House of Champions Invite. As they head into day two, Little Rock will aim to extend their lead with a full lineup of events: the 400 IM, 100 fly, 200 free, 100 breast, 100 back, and 3-meter board. The day will also feature two relays—the 200 medley and the 800 freestyle—providing more opportunities for the team to make their mark

Team Scores

1.  Marshall University - 369.5
2. Missouri State University - 354
3. Little Rock- 285
4. Milwaukee. - 279
5. University of Illinois, Chicago- 277
6. Lynn University- 187.5
7. University of North Texas- 153
8. IU Indianapolis- 140
9. University of Missouri,St Louis -  90
10. Butler University - 71
11. Lewis University - 51
12. Saint Louis University - 49
13. Quincy University - 18

  

For the latest information on Little Rock Swimming and Diving, make sure to check out LRTrojans.com. You can also find the team on social media at @LittleRockSwim on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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