LITTLE ROCK, AR. - The Little Rock women's swimming and diving team delivered a strong all-around performance Friday and Saturday, defeating UTRGV 193–127 in a two-day home dual meet.
Little Rock set the tone early with a win in the 400-yard medley relay, as the quartet of Amara Addison, Paige Pala, Nelanee Fulton, and Beatriz Comini Romero touched first in 3:51.63. The Trojans followed with consistent point scoring across the sprint, distance, and individual medley events to maintain control of the meet.
Olivia Elgin put together a standout weekend, winning multiple events and rewriting the record books. Elgin captured first place in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 4:52.71, setting both a school and pool record. She also won the 200-yard freestyle in 1:47.89, establishing another pool record.
In relay action, Elgin led off the 200-yard freestyle relay with a personal-best split of 23.38 to help Little Rock secure the event win. She also contributed a key 24.75 butterfly split in the 200-yard medley relay, helping the Trojans claim first place. Elgin closed the meet by leading off the 400-yard freestyle relay in 49.95, as the relay team went on to set a new pool record.
Megan Stewart was dominant in the individual medley events, earning wins and pool records in both races. Stewart claimed the 200 IM in 2:01.40 before returning later in the meet to win the 400 IM with a time of 4:17.51.
Little Rock's depth was evident throughout the lineup. Beatriz Comini Romero won the 100-yard backstroke in 56.87, while Lena Nikolaeva added sprint victories in the 50-yard freestyle (23.60) and the 100-yard butterfly (56.39). Izzy Thibodeau secured the win in the 1000-yard freestyle, touching first in 10:39.21.
Senior Duru Sibik was honored during the meet and delivered a strong performance in her final home competition. Sibik captured first place in the 200-yard breaststroke with a time of 2:28.25, while also posting multiple season-best and personal-best swims throughout the weekend.
Relay events proved pivotal in the final score, as Little Rock swept both the 200-yard freestyle relay and the 200-yard medley relay. The Trojans closed the meet with strong exhibition swims in the 400-yard freestyle relay to cap off the weekend.
"I was discussing the meet with our staff afterward, and from top to bottom our entire team executed some of the best races they've put together all season. In total, we set one new school record and five new pool records over the weekend.
We also had some truly special moments celebrating our soon to be graduates. Duru Sibik competed in her final home meet with several season bests and personal best, and Gabriella O'Neil capped off hers by helping the Trojans secure a new pool record in the 400 Free Relay. We couldn't be prouder of them.
The momentum is real, and we're feeling very motivated as we head toward MVC Championships. As always Saturdays are for the Trojans," said Nathan Townsend.
Little Rock finished the meet with 193 points to UTRGV's 127 as the Trojans continue building momentum heading into postseason competition.
For the latest information on Little Rock Swimming & Diving, visit LRTrojans.com and follow the team on social media at @LittleRockSwim.
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