Coach DeSorbo breaks down the Cavalier Invite and talks about the special performances by Alex and Gretchen Walsh in non-traditional events for that duo. pic.twitter.com/1WVJUTaoqy
— Virginia Swimming and Dive (@UVASwimDive) February 11, 2024
Hoos Pick up Eight More Wins on Final Day of Cavalier Invite
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Virginia men’s and women’s swimming teams won eight events Sunday to on the final day of the Cavalier Invite. Over three days, the Cavaliers took top honors in 23 races. During the course of the meet, Aquatic & Fitness Center pool records were set five times and the UVA swimmers turned in a total of 64 personal best swims to end the regular season.
The meet showcased some of the top times in the country. On Friday night, Gretchen Walsh swam the country’s top time in the 200 IM. She posted a mark of 1:52.34, which surpasses her sister Alex’s season-best time of 1:52.59 that was the country’s top mark heading into the weekend.
Gretchen Walsh now owns the top time in five events, including the 50 and 100 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly and 100 Backstroke.
On Saturday, Alex Walsh posted a pair of superior swims. In the 100 Breaststroke prelims, she clocked 57.89 to move to number five in the country. Walsh did not swim the 100 breast final, but she did time-trial the 200 Back and posted a mark of 1:50.18, the second best in the country this year.
Also Saturday, Jasmine Nocentini clocked 57.89 to equal Walsh’s mark in the 100 Breast.
The meet’s format followed the NCAA Championships prelim/finals schedule and included all NCAA Championship events. Finals consisted of at least two finals heats including a consolation final (places 9-16) and a championship final (places 1-8).
UVA was one of 11 teams competing along with Duke, George Washington, Johns Hopkins, North Carolina, South Carolina, St. Bonaventure, Army, UNC Wilmington, Richmond and William & Mary.
More from Coach DeSorbo as he previews the ACC Championships and talks World Championships and Jack Aikins helping the U.S. to a bronze medal in the 4×100 Free Relay. pic.twitter.com/0uOHgLBLly
— Virginia Swimming and Dive (@UVASwimDive) February 12, 2024
Finals Highlights
- Peter Thompson started off the final day of finals with a win in the Men’s 1650 Freestyle with a time of 15:17.02
- Izzy Bradley won the Women’s 200 Backstroke with a personal best time of 1:54.99.
- Teddy Cross won the Men’s 200 Backstroke with an effort of 1:43.89.
• In the Women’s 100 Freestyle, Aimee Crosbie placed first with a personal best of 49.48. - Noah Dyer matched his PB in the Men’s 100 Freestyle with a time of 44.38.
• Anna Keating claimed the gold in the Women’s 200 Breaststroke (2:07.06) - Will Tenpas took first place in the Men’s 200 Breaststroke (1:57.99)
• Sam Baron (1:57.05) claimed UVA’s final win of the meet with a first-place finish in the Women’s 200 Butterfly.
Prelim Highlights
A number of Cavaliers posted personal best times during Sunday morning’s prelim races. Those included:
- Izzy Bradley posted a personal best (1:55.45) to win her heat of the Women’s 200 Backstroke.
- Both Teddy Cross (1:43.81) and Jack Berube (1:46.53) had PBs in the Men’s 200 Backstroke.
- Aimee Crosbie cruised to a win the Women’s 100 Freestyle with a PB of 49.89.
- In the Men’s 100 Freestyle, Tristen Davin took first place with a time of 44.33.
- Jay Gerloff (2:00.16) recorded a PB in the Men’s 200 Breaststroke
- In the Men’s 200 Butterfly, Jack Moore posted his best time with a finish of 1:48.14.
Up Next
UVA gets the postseason underway in Greensboro, N.C., when the men’s and women’s programs compete for ACC titles. The league championship is set for Feb. 20-24.