By: Madie Brink
FARGO, N.D. – The University of Sioux Falls women's swimming team turned in a statement performance at the NSIC Championships, highlighted by three individual titles from Alessia Moro and a collection of all-conference finishes that showcased the depth and determination of the Cougar lineup.
Moro delivered one of the most dominant distance performances in championship history, sweeping the 500 freestyle, 1,000 freestyle and 1,650 freestyle — earning All-NSIC honors in all three events. Charlotte Gibbs added four all-conference performances, while Irene Paris secured two of her own, as the Cougars powered their way to a fourth-place team finish with 455 team points.
Moro Makes It a Distance Sweep
Alessia Moro established herself as the premier distance swimmer in the NSIC, capturing conference titles in the 500, 1,000 and 1,650 freestyle events. Her clean sweep accounted for three gold medals and three All-Conference performances — a remarkable feat that required consistency, endurance and championship poise across multiple days of competition.
Moro's ability to control pace and close races proved decisive in each of her victories. From the tactical precision of the 500 free to the grueling test of stamina in the mile, she set the tone for the Cougars and consistently delivered when it mattered most.
Her triple-title performance stands as one of the premier individual efforts in program history at the conference meet.
Gibbs Delivers Across the Board
Charlotte Gibbs added four All-NSIC performances in the 100 IM, 200 IM, 200 Free, and 500 Free to bolster the Cougar scoring total, proving to be one of the most versatile swimmers at the championships. Competing across multiple events, Gibbs consistently placed among the conference's elite, earning all-conference recognition four separate times during the meet.
Her ability to contribute in multiple races provided critical momentum for USF throughout the championship schedule.
Paris Adds to the Podium Count
Irene Paris continued the Cougar surge with two All-Conference performances of her own in the 200 Fly and 400 IM. Competing against some of the top swimmers in the league, Paris rose to the occasion and secured podium finishes that added valuable team points and further highlighted USF's depth.
Coach's Corner
Head coach Rickey Perkins praised the collective effort that led to the fourth-place finish.
"We were a solid team this weekend. Everyone played a role in the success of the weekend," Perkins said. "I am proud of this team and what they overcame to finish in fourth place. They all stepped up when it counted."
Perkins also expressed appreciation for the support system behind the program.
"I want to thank Jason Curtis, Chris Mohr, and the entire USF Athletics staff for their support this season."
A Championship Statement
From distance dominance to multi-event consistency, the Cougars showcased both star power and team depth at the NSIC Championships. With nine total All-Conference performances between Moro, Gibbs and Paris — including three individual conference titles — Sioux Falls demonstrated its ability to compete with the very best in the league.
The fourth-place finish marks another strong step forward for the program, as the Cougars leave the conference meet with momentum, confidence and a foundation to build upon moving forward.
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