By: Madie Brink
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Swimming team opened its 2025–26 campaign with a strong showing at the Marauder Invite in Bismarck, N.D., posting numerous top finishes and early-season bests across both days of competition. The Cougars' depth and energy were on full display as they earned multiple event victories and placed among the top three in nearly every relay. Charlotte Gibbs paved the way with event titles in all four of her events accumulating 80 team points for USF.
Day One Highlights
USF came out of the gate with a powerful start, led by Alessia Moro, who captured the 1000-yard freestyle title in 10:47.76 — pacing a Cougar sweep of the top three spots alongside Kalina Zaharieva (10:53.58) and Weronika Mrozek (11:20.52).
Charlie Twose captured the 200 backstroke title with a time of 2:12.04 followed by Isabella Perkins in second at 2:13.20.
In the 200-yard IM,
Charlotte Gibbs continued the momentum by taking first with a time of 2:11.23, while
Irene Paris placed second (2:17.54) to secure another 1–2 Cougar finish.
Gibbs also added a title in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:55.59 followed by teammates Moro (2:00.43) and Zaharieva (2:03.92).
USF also found success in relays, as the 200 medley relay A-team of
Charlie Twose, Inn She Yap, Isabella Perkins, and
Gibbs placed second overall (1:52.81). The Cougars closed the opening day with a commanding win in the 400 freestyle relay, as Zaharieva, Gibbs, Perkins, and
Lotta Keitel combined for a time of 3:40.14 — edging out host UMary by just 0.16 seconds.
Day Two Highlights
The Cougars continued to shine on day two, highlighted by Gibbs' dominant sprint performances, claiming titles in both the 50 freestyle (24.79) and 100 freestyle (52.99).
Moro and Zaharieva added another 1–2 finish in the 500 freestyle, clocking times of 5:18.53 and 5:22.47 respectively.
Perkins delivered a runner-up finish in the 100 backstroke (1:02.95), while Twose dominated the 400 IM in a time of 4:49.62.
USF capped off the weekend with another standout relay effort, placing second in the 400 medley relay (4:06.12) behind UMary — led by Perkins, Keitel, Twose, and Gibbs - and second in the 200 freestyle relay (1:42.84) with teammembers consisting of Perkins, Keitel, Twose, and Gibbs.
Coach's Take
Head Coach Rickey Perkins praised the team's performance and energy:
"I am very proud of the overall team's energy and focus. They locked in on their racers and supported each other throughout the entire meet. We had some fantastic times for this early in the season and where we are at in training. I'm excited to see what's to come for USF Swim."
Up Next
USF returns to action October 24th as they host MSU Moorhead in their home opener at Midco Aquatic Center.
