AUSTIN, Texas – The Washington State swim team finished their season at the 2019 NCAA Championships Saturday, as sophomore Mackenzie Duarte competed for the Cougars on the national stage.

"Washington State swimming made big steps forward this season," said head coach Matt Leach. "Mackenzie swam her second fastest time of her career this morning in the 200 breast prelims. We are excited for her future and the future of the Cougs. We are looking forward to being back at the NCAAs next year! Go Cougs!"

Duarte competed in the preliminary round of the 200 breast, touching the wall in her second-fastest time ever at 2:11.33. The sophomore breaststroker earned her chance at the national stage after an impressive showing in 200 breast at the Pac-12 Championships – touching the wall in a school record time of 2:09.47, breaking the previous record by nearly two seconds.

Duarte and the Cougars will look to repeat their success in the pool next season, as the lose one senior, Linnea Lindberg, while returning 14 swimmers including freshman Keiana Fountaine who holds the school record in the 100 free.