By: Madie Brink
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Swimming team opened their home season against Minnesota State Moorhead, falling 153-105. Despite the final score, the Cougars displayed consistency and depth throughout the meet, earning several individual victories.
Cougar Standouts
USF opened the meet with a runner-up finish in the 200-yard medley relay, as the quartet of Isabella Perkins, Inn She Yap, Irene Paris, and Charlotte Gibbs clocked in at 1:52.04.
In distance events, the Cougars dominated — Kalina Zaharieva (10:49.51) and Alessia Moro (10:54.47) went 1–2 in the 1000 freestyle, while Moro later claimed the 500 freestyle crown (5:19.27) with Zaharieva right behind at 5:21.32.
Charlotte Gibbs delivered another standout performance for USF, capturing first in both the 200 freestyle (1:55.35) and 100 freestyle (53.33), while also helping anchor relay success. Lotta Keitel added a win in the 100 breaststroke (1:08.10) and took runner-up honors in the 200 breaststroke (2:32.26).
Rounding out USF's top finishes were Irene Paris (second in the 200 butterfly, 2:10.99; third in the 100 butterfly, 1:00.68) and Charlie Twose, who placed second in the 200 backstroke (2:12.08) and the 200 IM (2:15.37). The Cougars also posted a strong second-place finish in the closing 400 freestyle relay (3:49.12) behind performances from Moro, Keitel, Perkins, and Yap.
Coach's Take
Head Coach Rickey Perkins praised his squad's continued progress:
"I'm proud of the energy and effort our team brought against a tough Moorhead group. We saw great consistency across events and several lifetime and season bests. This was an important step forward as we continue to build momentum heading into November."
Up Next
The Cougars will return to the pool on November 7th to take on Augustana at Midco Aquatic.
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