Ciatti Leads bearcats in Day 1 of NWC Championship

Tessa Ciatti, Jillian Price, and Hanna Vornbrock all qualify for finals

Ciatti Leads bearcats in Day 1 of NWC Championship
February 13, 2026
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BOISE, Idaho – The Willamette University women's swimming team opened the 2026 Northwest Conference (NWC) Championships with a series of strong performances at the Idaho Central Aquatic Center on Friday. The Bearcats showcased their depth and competitive spirit, highlighted by scoring finishes in the 200-yard Individual Medley, the 500-yard Freestyle, and a top-six relay performance.

Leading the individual efforts for Willamette was junior Tessa Ciatti, who earned a spot in the championship A-final of the 200-yard Individual Medley. Ciatti touched the wall in 2:15.00 to take seventh place overall, securing 12 points for the team. Her performance was bolstered by a strong morning preliminary swim of 2:14.35. Joining her in the scoring for the 200 IM was freshman Hanna Vornbrock, who placed 15th overall with a time of 2:25.82 in the B-final.

In the 500-yard Freestyle, sophomore Jillian Price delivered a standout performance by winning the B-final. Price's time of 5:21.20 placed her ninth overall and would have been competitive in the championship heat. The Bearcats demonstrated significant depth in the distance event, with several swimmers competing in the preliminary rounds, including Emma Noffsinger (5:45.39), Elisa Michels (5:49.03), and Ana Kaldy (5:54.45).

The Bearcats also made a statement in the relay events. The 200-yard Freestyle Relay team—comprised of Leah Howell, Lydia Schmitt, Tessa Ciatti, and Jillian Price—finished sixth overall with a time of 1:40.27, contributing 26 points to the Bearcats' team total.

"Our team brought incredible energy to the pool today in Boise," said the Willamette coaching staff. "Having swimmers like Tessa and Jillian step up in the finals and seeing our relay compete at such a high level sets a great foundation for the rest of the championship weekend."

The NWC Championships will continue through February 15th at the Idaho Central Aquatic Center.

Bearcat Day One Highlights:

  • Tessa Ciatti (JR): 7th Place, 200-yard IM (2:15.00)

  • Jillian Price (SO): 9th Place, 500-yard Freestyle (5:21.20)

  • 200-yard Freestyle Relay: 6th Place (1:40.27)

  • Hanna Vornbrock (FR): 15th Place, 200-yard IM (2:25.82)