CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Washington State swim team pushed its winning streak over Oregon State to seven after a 148-114 victory in Corvallis, Ore. Friday. The Cougars are now 36-19 over the Beavers after winning 10 events.
"Oregon State brought out a lot of stops, and our team responded well," said head coach Matt Leach. "I knew it was going to be a back-and-forth meet, and we were lucky enough to have some really good swims across the board. It was a lot of fun to see our attitude be positive, our efforts be great, and I am really excited. The outcome was what we were hoping for, but there were certain events where we got up and raced."
Sophomore Mackenzie Duarte had an outstanding performance for the Cougars, taking home three individual wins. Duarte led the way for the Cougars in the 100 breast, clocking a 1:04.19. Teammates Linnea Lindberg and Lauren Burckel took second and third, respectively, in the event. The Walnut Creek, Calif. native also took first in the 200 IM, finishing just ahead of fellow sophomore Taylor McCoy. In the 200 breast, Duarte placed first while freshman Lauren Burckel took second.
Junior Ryan Falk and freshman Keiana Fountaine each completed the meet with two individual wins. Falk continued her success in the distance freestyles, winning both the 1000 and 500 free. The Oregon native posted a 10:27.00 in the 1000 free to secure first place, just ahead of teammate Samantha Howell who clocked a season-best 10:29.14. Falk, a Portland, Ore. native, also dominated in the 500 free, clocking a 5:03.23. Fountaine won her 11th and 12th individual events of the season, taking first in the 200 and 100 free. The Tracy, Calif. native swam anchor of the first place 400 free relay team. Alongside teammates Chloe Larson, Sophia Balmaceda, and Emily Barrier, the team clocked a 3:28.15.
In the 50 free, the Cougars took the top-four spots - with sophomore Chloe Larson leading the way. The Rapid City, S.D. native clocked a 24.04 in the event, marking her first individual win of the season. Fountaine, Paige Gardner, and Barrier took second, third, and fourth, respectively.
Sophomore Taylor McCoy won her 14th individual event of the season, clocking a 2:03.01 in the 200 back. The Pullman, Wash. native also placed fourth in the 100 back.
"The team continues to push and continues to have a team effort all around," added Leach. "There were so many great races, and great races where we went one-two-three - which is a great improvement for us. We are continuing to try to get better, and are in a phase in our training where we are working on a lot of speed. All-and-all, it was a great victory for the Cougs, we are very excited as we continue this process moving forward. Can't wait to see what the team does against Utah in our final home meet. Go Cougs!"
The Cougars will be back in action Feb. 16 as they welcome Utah to Gibb Pool. The team will recognize senior Linnea Lindberg.
