AUSTIN, Texas – The Washington State swim team sent one athlete to the 2019 NCAA Championships Friday, as sophomore Mackenzie Duarte represented the Cougars on the national stage.

"Mackenzie had a great swim today," said head coach Matt Leach. "Not only did she go a lifetime best, but she was in the small percentage of swimmers at the NCAAs that got faster. In the 100 breaststroke, only 30% of the swimmers got faster from their seed time. Mackenzie did a great job and this really puts us in a great spot for tomorrow for her best event, the 200 breast! We are looking forward to tomorrow! Go Cougs!"

Duarte competed in the preliminary round of the 100 breast, clocking a lifetime best 1:01.63. The Walnut Creek, Calif. punched her ticket to the national championships after posting a 1:01.66 at the Phill Hansel Invitational in mid-November. Duarte finish the season with 11 wins, including three wins in the 100 breast.

Duarte will have one more performance at the national championships, as she competes in the 200 breast Saturday. Duarte currently leads the team in the event with eight wins in the 200 breast, including wins over then-No. 14 Arizona and then-No. 25 Arizona State. The sophomore breaststroker holds the school record in the event, touching the wall in 2:09.47 and placing seventh at the 2019 Pac-12 Championships.

Preliminary rounds of the NCAA Championship begin Saturday at 7 a.m.