Women 7th at NWC Championships

BOISE, Idaho – The Willamette University women's swimming team concluded the 2026 Northwest Conference (NWC) Championships on Sunday at the Idaho Central Aquatic Center, finishing in seventh place with a team total of 239 points. The four-day event was highlighted by record-breaking individual performances and a strong showing in the final relay.

Ciatti and Price Lead the Charge

Junior Tessa Ciatti delivered the top individual finish of the day for the Bearcats, taking fourth place in the championship final of the 200-yard Butterfly with a time of 2:13.00. Ciatti, who holds the school record in both the 100 and 200 Butterfly, further cemented her place in program history with her podium finish. Junior Meara Rose also contributed points in the event, finishing 16th.

In the 200-yard Backstroke, sophomore Jillian Price surged to a win in the consolation "B" final, placing ninth overall with a time of 2:14.81. The Bearcats showed significant depth in the backstroke, as senior Emma Noffsinger (2:21.05) and junior Emma Schauble (2:21.44) followed in 13th and 14th place, respectively.

Sprints and Distance Depth

Junior Leah Howell earned a 12th-place finish in the 100-yard Freestyle, touching the wall in 55.39. Howell's performance remains a bright spot for the sprinting corps as she continues to chase all-time program marks.

In the grueling 1650-yard Freestyle, the Bearcats saw a trio of swimmers secure points. Sophomore Elisa Michels led the group in 15th place (20:23.81), followed immediately by junior Ana Kaldy in 16th (20:35.22).

In the 200-yard Breaststroke, freshman Hanna Vornbrock touched in 2:40.45 to take 15th place in the consolation final.

Relay Finale

The Bearcats capped off the championship meet with a seventh-place finish in the 400-yard Freestyle Relay. The quartet of Howell, Lydia Schmitt, Ciatti, and Price combined for a time of 3:43.78, significantly outperforming their seed time of 3:48.38.