The University of Louisville women’s swimming and diving team had a strong start at the 2023 NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships on Wednesday evening at the Allan Jones Aquatic Center. Powered by the 200-medley relay team, the Cardinals are tied for sixth after the first day of competition.
The 200-medley relay team, consisting of Abby Hay, Cecilia Viberg, Christiana Regenauer, and Gabi Albiero, earned All-America status by finishing fifth with a time of 1:34.37. They edged out California’s relay, who touched in at 1:34.75. However, it was Virginia’s Gretchen Walsh, Alex Walsh, Lexi Cuomo, and Kate Douglass who took the top spot on the podium with a winning time of 1:31.51, resetting the NCAA, American, and U.S. Open records that they set just last month at the ACC Championships in Greensboro.
In the 800-free relay, Tristen Ulett, Paige Hetrick, Fernanda Celidonio, and Ella Welch turned in a time of 7:00.81, placing the Cardinals 11th. Virginia won its second relay of the evening with a time of 6:49.82.
The NCAA Championships continue on Thursday with several events, including the 500 freestyle, 200 IM, 50 freestyle, 1-meter diving, and 200 freestyle relay. The Cardinals have four swimmers slated to compete in the 50 freestyle, including Ella Welch, Gabi Albiero, Julia Dennis, and Christiana Regenauer. Tristen Ulett and Abby Hay will swim in the 200 IM, while Rye Ulett and Liberty Williams will compete in the 500 freestyle. Additionally, diver Lindsay Gizzi will make her NCAA debut when she competes on the 1-meter springboard.
Swimming prelims begin at 10 a.m., followed by diving prelims at noon and finals at 6 p.m. Fans can catch live coverage of the meet on ESPN+, with live results available online and to paid subscribers on the MeetMobile app.
The Cardinals are looking to build on their strong start as they continue to compete in the NCAA Championships. With a talented roster of swimmers and divers, Louisville is poised to make a strong showing at the competition. Fans can tune in to see the action unfold and cheer on the Cardinals as they compete against some of the best swimmers and divers in the country.
Top 15 STANDINGS
1. Virginia, 80
2. Texas, 64
3. California, 56
4. Stanford, 52
5. NC State, 44
6. Tennessee, 40
6. Louisville, 40
8. Ohio State, 38
9. Indiana, 34
10. Georgia, 30
11. Florida 26
12 Alabama 24
13. UNC 22
14. Wisconsin 18
15. Kentucky 14
10am Prelims
500 Freestyle
Heat 2, Lane 1 – Rye Ulett
Heat 6, Lane 6 – Liberty Williams
200IM
Heat 5, Lane 6 – Tristen Ulett
Heat 7, Lane 6 – Abby Hay
50 Freestyle
Heat 6, Lane 2 – Ella Welch
Heat 6, Lane 4 – Gabi Albiero
Heat 7, Lane 6 – Julia Dennis
Heat 8, Lane 5 – Christiana Regenauer
1-Meter Dive Prelims
Lindsay Gizzi