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https://instagr.am/p/B1r8FkRAo4D
https://instagr.am/p/B1rdzYCgDQO
https://instagr.am/p/B1rteEogk4A
https://instagr.am/p/B14cyBZgSvI
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2019-20 Women's Swimming & Diving Roster

-------

Just a bit of a long-winded filler post before the season gets going in earnest... :p

Some very early thoughts (possibly dodgy cos may not have been properly thought out at the time lol), that were posted straight after 2019 NCAAs on our Bears' chances v. some of the competition @ 2020 NCAAs:

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

---

Here are some recent Recruiting v. NCAA records that I looked up for a few more collegiate women's programmes (all the creds due Swimswam's Andrew Mering for originally compiling the data pertaining to individuals & classes).

With the caveat that the data set & perspective that I have haphazardly outlined here are somewhat limited...not really comprehensive enough to draw any truly meaningful conclusions :p

--------

Stanford
2016 Recruits Class = #1 -> 2017 NCAA finish = 1st
2017 Recruits Class = #1 -> 2018 NCAA finish = 1st
2018 Recruits Class = #1 -> 2019 NCAA finish = 1st (456.5 pts)
... 2019 NCAA Senior points loss for 2020 NCAAs = 69
... 2019 NCAA Junior points loss for 2021 NCAAs = 39.5

Cal
2016 Recruits Class = #2 -> 2017 NCAA finish = 2nd
2017 Recruits Class = #5 -> 2018 NCAA finish = 2nd
2018 Recruits Class = #9 -> 2019 NCAA finish = 2nd (419 pts)
... 2019 NCAA Senior points loss for 2020 NCAAs = 88
... 2019 NCAA Junior points loss for 2021 NCAAs = 79

Michigan
2016 Recruits Class = n/a -> 2017 NCAA finish = 11th
2017 Recruits Class = #2 -> 2018 NCAA finish = 4th
2018 Recruits Class = #HM -> 2019 NCAA finish = 3rd (314 pts)
... 2019 NCAA Senior points loss for 2020 NCAAs = 84
... 2019 NCAA Junior points loss for 2021 NCAAs = 12

Louisville
2016 Recruits Class = #7 -> 2017 NCAA finish = 6th
2017 Recruits Class = #HM -> 2018 NCAA finish = 5th
2018 Recruits Class = n/a -> 2019 NCAA finish = 4th (235 pts)
... 2019 NCAA Senior points loss for 2020 NCAAs = 60
... 2019 NCAA Junior points loss for 2021 NCAAs = 32

Texas
2016 Recruits Class = #5 -> 2017 NCAA finish = 5th
2017 Recruits Class = #8 -> 2018 NCAA finish = 6th
2018 Recruits Class = #4 -> 2019 NCAA finish = 5th (190.5 pts)
... 2019 NCAA Senior points loss for 2020 NCAAs = 41.5
... 2019 NCAA Junior points loss for 2021 NCAAs = 33

Virginia
2016 Recruits Class = n/a -> 2017 NCAA finish = 12th
2017 Recruits Class = #12 -> 2018 NCAA finish = 9th
2018 Recruits Class = #11 -> 2019 NCAA finish = 6th (188 pts)
... 2019 NCAA Senior points loss for 2020 NCAAs = 0
... 2019 NCAA Junior points loss for 2021 NCAAs = 31

NC State
2016 Recruits Class = n/a -> 2017 NCAA finish = 7th
2017 Recruits Class = #10 -> 2018 NCAA finish = 18th
2018 Recruits Class = #8 -> 2019 NCAA finish = 7th (187.5 pts)
... 2019 NCAA Senior points loss for 2020 NCAAs = 1
... 2019 NCAA Junior points loss for 2021 NCAAs = 30

Tennessee
2016 Recruits Class = #6 -> 2017 NCAA finish = 22nd
2017 Recruits Class = #6 -> 2018 NCAA finish = 7th
2018 Recruits Class = n/a -> 2019 NCAA finish = 8th (185 pts)
... 2019 NCAA Senior points loss for 2020 NCAAs = 0
... 2019 NCAA Junior points loss for 2021 NCAAs = 80

Indiana
2016 Recruits Class = n/a -> 2017 NCAA finish = 8th
2017 Recruits Class = n/a -> 2018 NCAA finish = 8th
2018 Recruits Class = #6 -> 2019 NCAA finish = 9th (179 pts)
... 2019 NCAA Senior points loss for 2020 NCAAs = 93
... 2019 NCAA Junior points loss for 2021 NCAAs = 5

USC
2016 Recruits Class = #3 -> 2017 NCAA finish = 9th
2017 Recruits Class = #4 -> 2018 NCAA finish = 12th
2018 Recruits Class = #8 -> 2019 NCAA finish = 10th (159 pts)
... 2019 NCAA Senior points loss for 2020 NCAAs = 17
... 2019 NCAA Junior points loss for 2021 NCAAs = 56

Texas A&M
2016 Recruits Class = n/a -> 2017 NCAA finish = 3rd
2017 Recruits Class = #3 -> 2018 NCAA finish = 3rd
2018 Recruits Class = #7 -> 2019 NCAA finish = 13th (142.5 pts)
... 2019 NCAA Senior points loss for 2020 NCAAs = 69.5
... 2019 NCAA Junior points loss for 2021 NCAAs = 18

Georgia
2016 Recruits Class = #8 -> 2017 NCAA finish = 4th
2017 Recruits Class = #9 -> 2018 NCAA finish = 11th
2018 Recruits Class = #5 -> 2019 NCAA finish = 18th (66 pts)
... 2019 NCAA Senior points loss for 2020 NCAAs = 8
... 2019 NCAA Junior points loss for 2021 NCAAs = 0

Florida
2016 Recruits Class = #12 -> 2017 NCAA finish = n/a (0 pts)
2017 Recruits Class = #7 -> 2018 NCAA finish = 35th
2018 Recruits Class = #3 -> 2019 NCAA finish = 24th (44 pts)
... 2019 NCAA Senior points loss for 2020 NCAAs = 35
... 2019 NCAA Junior points loss for 2021 NCAAs = 0

--------

---

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

---

Reckon a case can definitely be made for Virginia's march towards the big prize in the near future - ZERO graduating points loss for next season + one of the top incoming freshman class of 2019 {pending SS' forthcoming rankings} + likely the top recruiting class of 2020 as well. If in-house development can keep up with recruiting momentum over in Charlottesville, could very well see the Hoos achieving a #1-3 finish as early as 2020 NCAAs!

OTOH, the all-too-familiar scenario of LSJU repeating as NCAA Champions doesn't look threatened at all, in spite of our valiant Bears' heroic accomplishments last March that came so agonisingly within striking distance of achieving the impossible.

If anything, the Furdette Juggernaut should roll over any challengers with a bigger margin of victory in 2020, and looking beyond then - thanks to 3 consecutive #1 recruiting classes leading to their lowerclassmen doing much of the heavy-lifting @ 2019 NCAAs. As per SwimSwam's effusive praises of Meehan & Slusser's recruiting prowess:

SwimSwam said:

---

LSJU -

2016 class: "Our unquestioned number one. Five top 20 recruits, including Katie Ledecky, who needs no introduction."

2017 class: "Rarely do we see something like four top 10 and five top 20 recruits committing to the same school quite like we've seen it happen with the Stanford women. Welcome to Greg Meehan's dynasty."

2018 class: "It's difficult to see a future where Stanford is NOT winning national titles through this class's senior collegiate seasons."

---

Back in March, the freshie saplings, despite underperforming somewhat relative to their previously expected dominance, stood out as the only class in the whole field to net triple-digit individual points - 127 - compared to the 2nd highest frosh class' 50 pts from our very own froskis, of which Izzy had contributed 37...closely followed by NC State freshmen's 47.5 & Michigan aka MacNeil's 45.

Stanford still won in spite of junior Drabot scoring almost 30 pts less than in her sophomore year, Byrnes 14 pts fewer, Szekely not scoring, with even superstar Eastin contributing a relative deficit of 6 pts in her final year. The Cardinal sophomores also ranked tops with their 67 pts - only class close was the Cavaliers sophs' 49 pts. In comparison, Robin had repped our sophomore Bears well, being responsible for all of their 14 pts total.

The next several years could prove to be quite a challenge for Cal in the national title race, after losing the Dream Team (Billy & Bug), to be followed subsequently by Abbey (not to mention Madds & Keeks' invaluable contributions) - our justifiably famed relays will be quite adversely impacted, for one.

Staying in the top three may not be immediately threatened, but unless Bears kill it in the recruiting area and/or several team members step up to fill the void, could turn out to be a bit of a reloading period (hopefully not to the extent of a UGA or UF). For example, when Cal's current upperclassmen graduate, we will forfeit significantly more points (167 individual pts) than any other team.

As for some of these other teams, NC State (Holloway doing a great job of keeping up with DeSorbo in terms of recruiting & results), Tennessee (just 1 graduating senior point - but 2021 NCAAs could hit them hard with an 80 pts loss from their current juniors, led by Erika's 46) & Georgia (will lose only 8 pts to graduation in the next 2 seasons, as the Dawgs' recruiting have more than nicely rebounded a few years after the alleged Bauerle-Kalisz scandal) are all looking good to improve upon their standings next season, following in Virginia's wake.

#10 'SC will also be presented an opportunity to redeem themselves, losing only 17 pts to graduation. WHilst quality recruits classes continue to pour into the Trojanettes fold, Salo has to be ever aware that his juniors class jewel claimed 56 pts, with his lowerclassmen not scoring a single point (their crosstown rival, #17 UCLA, has to be even more concerned, since all of the Bruins' 75 point tally were accomplished by their 2 senior divers).

On the flip side, Louisville (mayhaps a temporary hiccup, as they have a really good 2020 class assembled), Michigan (altho UM does have 11 incoming signees for 2019, with a v. solid 2020 class so far) & Indiana (Lilly & diver Jessica Parratt accounted for 65 of IU's 93 senior pts, their medley relays will feel King's loss the most) will face uphill battles to maintain or improve upon their lofty #3, #5 & #9 finishes.

TAMU won't find it easy either after a disappointing 13th place finish in view of all their past successes - will have to find some way of replacing their 69.5 senior points deficit.

Then there is Texas who will need to start fulfilling the promise of their talented recruits (much-vaunted 2018 recruits managed a combined 3 pts @ 2019 NCs), if the upperclassmen/diver-heavy scoring Horns aim to avoid sliding down from their #5 placement.

---

Above posts were thrown out there prior to super furdette Taylor Ruck's recent redshirt announcement, and long before the release of Swimswam's 2019 recruiting class rankings here:

https://swimswam.com/taylor-ruck-will-redshirt-2019-2020-ncaa-season-will-train-in-canada/

https://swimswam.com/ranking-the-2019-womens-ncaa-recruiting-classes-9-12/
#12: MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
#11: STANFORD CARDINAL
#10: FLORIDA GATORS
#9: PRINCETON TIGERS

https://swimswam.com/ranking-the-2019-womens-ncaa-recruiting-classes-5-8/
#8: UCLA BRUINS
#7: KENTUCKY WILDCATS
#6: CAL GOLDEN BEARS
#5: GEORGIA BULLDOGS

• UPDATES ->

https://swimswam.com/ranking-the-2019-womens-ncaa-recruiting-classes-1-4/
#4: NC STATE WOLFPACK
#3: TEXAS LONGHORNS
#2: INDIANA HOOSIERS
#1: VIRGINIA CAVALIERS

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

---

With 2019 NCAAs concluded not that long ago, it may be a wee premature to look ahead to what next season may have in store for our Bears, but what the heck lol.

Feeling really confident that placing top 3 for 12 years in a row will be more likely to go down than not, short of an unprecedented series of disasters :p

Solid chance too of repeating as National Runner-Ups, I reckon...whilst noting the very real & dangerous threats of fast rising programmes such as UVa & NCSU, who will both bring in an amazing recruiting class next season & beyond, whilst losing virtually no graduating senior points, compared to Cal's massive 88 individual pts deficit (Billy & Bug).

Sobering realisation - unlikely for relay records to fall like dominoes next championship season as they did for us @ this season's Pac-12s & NCAAs. Indeed Bears could very well end up more towards the middle of the pack @ A finals in 2020, absent 2 devastating sprint & mid-sprint free legs + back/fly stroke domination from Katie & Amy

Now bringing about an upset of the once again heavily favoured Furdette Juggernaut @ 2020 NCAAs would probably be asking rather too much of the team, after having come so close recently - the Trees just continue to have too much depth, even if several of their squad were to underperform as they did back in March.

The one narrow window of opportunity (extremely wishful thinking? ) which may present itself would be if Ruck was to redshirt for the Olympic year, with everything else going just about perfect for Bears in virtually every dept - an incredibly tall order indeed...

Oh well, let's end on a bright note by reliving the heady excitement of a couple of record-smashing relays

---

Enough of all the fond reminiscing lol...back to the present (and to the future)!

https://instagr.am/p/B1-S2-3hUQe
https://instagr.am/p/B2F1_0RA5b-
Note how Izzy's in the frosh group photo here, but not Chloe...

Schedule for the season is now out:

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2019-20 Women's Swimming & Diving Schedule

--------

Looks like the mid-season meet to aim for 2020 NCAA invites will be the the Minnesota Invitational on 4 - 7 Dec this year, with the option to go for Olympic Trials cut and get a spot of long course racing practice in will be that Sunday.

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

---

Schedule for the season is now out:

--------

2019-20 Women's Swimming & Diving Schedule

--------

Looks like the mid-season meet to aim for 2020 NCAA invites will be the the Minnesota Invitational on 4 - 7 Dec this year, with the option to go for Olympic Trials cut and get a spot of long course racing practice in will be that Sunday.

---

That's kind of a sad home schedule, as it usually is every other year. We should add a home and away dual meet with Virginia . I will try to make one of the Arizona meets, and might even hold my nose and head over to PA this year.

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

---

Schedule for the season is now out:

Looks like the mid-season meet to aim for 2020 NCAA invites will be the the Minnesota Invitational on 4 - 7 Dec this year, with the option to go for Olympic Trials cut and get a spot of long course racing practice in will be that Sunday.

---

MINNESOTA'S MID-SEASON INVITE TO FEATURE CAL, TEXAS, MICHIGAN, ARIZONA

Minnesota's winter invite will feature men's and women's programs from Cal, Texas, Michigan and Arizona among others.

Here's the full list of attending teams, per the University of Minnesota. All programs will be bringing their men's and women's teams:

• California
• Texas
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Arizona
• Harvard
• Iowa

That's a stacked lineup, including four women's and three men's programs from last year's top 10 at the NCAA Championships. It's also a massive change from last year, when Minnesota's invite featured mostly local programs along with Utah and San Jose State.

The Minnesota Invite is set to take place from December 4th (a Wednesday) through December 7th (a Sunday), and the Golden Gopher schedule also shows an extra day on Sunday, December 8 in long course meters. That should allow athletes to stick around one extra day to swim for Olympic Trials cuts.

Either way, based on the invite participants we've confirmed elsewhere in the country so far, it looks like Minnesota should have the premier fall invite in the nation, with the top two men's programs in the nation (last year's champs Cal and runners-up Texas) and three of last year's top five women's programs (2nd-place Cal, 3rd-place Michigan, 5th-place Texas).

Well done Izzy on her selection! (100 Free + 100 Back)

https://www.usaswimming.org/docs/default-source/national-junior-teamdocuments/rosters/2019-20-national-junior-team-roster.pdf?sfvrsn=2

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USA Swimming Announces 2019-2020 U.S. National Junior Team Roster

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

---

Well done Izzy on her selection! (100 Free + 100 Back)

https://www.usaswimming.org/docs/default-source/national-junior-teamdocuments/rosters/2019-20-national-junior-team-roster.pdf?sfvrsn=2

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USA Swimming Announces 2019-2020 U.S. National Junior Team Roster

--------

---

That list doesn't make sense. So are Gretchen and Isa on the National Team then?

tedbear said:

---

That list doesn't make sense. So are Gretchen and Isa on the National Team then?

---

Short answer to that is: Yes!!!

Longer answer here: 115 SWIMMERS SELECTED TO USA SWIMMING'S 2019-2020 NATIONAL TEAM

• UPDATE ->

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

---

---

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

---

tedbear said:

---

That list doesn't make sense. So are Gretchen and Isa on the National Team then?

---

Short answer to that is: Yes!!!

Longer answer here: 115 SWIMMERS SELECTED TO USA SWIMMING'S 2019-2020 NATIONAL TEAM

---

Andrew and Katie qualified in the exact same two events, 100 Fly and 200 Free.

tedbear said:

---

Andrew and Katie qualified in the exact same two events, 100 Fly and 200 Free.

---

Now that's the very definition of a power couple lol (reckon can be mentioned here since the pair had shared this publicly for a while now ) ... has to be SwimSwam readers' favourite at any rate hehe

https://instagr.am/p/BqlYqaDFZM_
https://instagr.am/p/Bvu9lUblJmH

Although I would venture to offer that Bug may be the lead partner 'ere?? -> #2 (both in the 200 Free & 100 Fly) v. Seli #6 (200 Free), #4 (100 Fly)... :p

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

---

tedbear said:

---

Andrew and Katie qualified in the exact same two events, 100 Fly and 200 Free.

---

Now that's the very definition of a power couple lol (reckon can be mentioned here since the pair had shared this publicly for a while now ) ... has to be SwimSwam readers' favourite at any rate hehe

https://instagr.am/p/BqlYqaDFZM_
https://instagr.am/p/Bvu9lUblJmH

Although I would venture to offer that Bug may be the lead partner 'ere?? -> #2 (both in the 200 Free & 100 Fly) v. Seli #6 (200 Free), #4 (100 Fly)... :p

---

Wow. Had no idea. Great looking couple!!

Exemplary Golden Bears in and out of the pool. Make multiple Bear babies ASAP as a hedge against any of Vollmer's or Nathan's kids being forced against their will to go to that big ass Taco Bell across the Bay.

Queen Of The Pool Meet Opens 2019-20 Season

Bears Travel To Cal Poly For Unique 5-Race Competition


--------

Figured I'd place the pre-season, projected NCAA finish rankings from SwimSwam for anybody who wants to join me in comprehensive team-by-team analysis on the women's side:

#12 - Louisville
#11 - Kentucky
#10 - USC
#9 - Michigan
#8 - Minnesota
#7 - Georgia
#6 - Texas
#5 - Tennessee
#4 - NC State

Top 3 to come, with UVa, Cal, LSJU almost certainly occupying those spots.

Pre-season picks for each swimming event, as per SwimSwam:

SWIMSWAM'S 2019-2020 NCAA DIVISION I WOMEN'S PRESEASON PICKS

Cal highlighted as unanimous or majority favorites in 3 of the 5 relays -- 200 FR, 400 FR, and the 400 medley (also receiving nods in the 800 free and 200 medley relays), while Abbey headlines the 50/100 FR events with a tie for 200 FR champion alongside UVa's Paige Madden.

Go Bears!

HBear said:

---

Figured I'd place the pre-season, projected NCAA finish rankings from SwimSwam for anybody who wants to join me in comprehensive team-by-team analysis on the women's side:

Top 3 to come, with UVa, Cal, LSJU almost certainly occupying those spots.

---

Good call on Furdettes, Bears & Hoos likely being projected by Swimswam as Top 3!

HBear said:

---

Pre-season picks for each swimming event, as per SwimSwam:

SWIMSWAM'S 2019-2020 NCAA DIVISION I WOMEN'S PRESEASON PICKS

Cal highlighted as unanimous or majority favorites in 3 of the 5 relays -- 200 FR, 400 FR, and the 400 medley (also receiving nods in the 800 free and 200 medley relays), while Abbey headlines the 50/100 FR events with a tie for 200 FR champion alongside UVa's Paige Madden.

Go Bears!

---

May have to reluctantly concede another close scrappy contest to the Trees this season (once again *grrrr*), what with 2 out of our 3 Dream Team having graduated (representing 88 individual points & massively game changing relay legs from our pair of over-achievers), but would prefer to view thru my decidedly blue & gold tinted glasses which echoes the sentiments of this Swimswam commenter below

GO SEE CAL said:

---

"I think this might be a special year for Cal. Maybe not the top tier like they've had in the recent past but better depth. If they can stay motivated for six months and build their camaraderie we might be looking at a national championship."

---

#3: COLLEGE SWIMMING PREVIEWS: #3 UVA WOMEN RETURN ALL INDIVIDUAL NCAA SCORERS

Freshman class stocked with plenty of SS' top-20 incoming recruits (the newly ranked no. 1, 6, 14, and 16 recruits in the most recent edition), lending themselves to a scarily bright projection for the Hoos.

*edit: Meant to quote my previous post with the rest of the top-12 teams released by SS, but replied instead!

Snooped around a bit and found the King/Queen of the Pool results from the Bears' first race of the season -- links on host Cal Poly's website: overall results and event-by-event results.

Some highlights:
- Abbey defending her crown from last season with an overall 4:38.76. 2nd in the fly to Izzy and 1st in all other disciplines (including a win in the 100fr by over 2 seconds).
- Cassidy 2nd overall, with very solid times in all races but a recorded 59.99 time in her disqualified 100breast? Not sure if this is error -- lol -- unless our butterflyer has become an incredible breaststroker to boot.
Note: her splits read 28.40-31.59, both of which are over a second faster than the next-fastest opening and closest splits (both from Abbey in her winning 1:03).
- Izzy 3rd: won the fly with a swift 54.87, close 3rd in the backstroke (behind Abbey and Sophie), 6th in breast, 3rd in free and the IM.

Other notes:
Fly: frosh Ayla and Rachel 4th and 5th (56.37 and 56.40), beyond Izzy-Abbey-Robin.
Back: Ayla 5th (56.28), with the next-highest baby Bear, Sarah, at 14th.
Breast: breaststroke studs Ali and Ema 2nd and 3rd behind Abbey, at 1:05.23 and 1:05.36, respectively. Baby bear Eloise 1:07.41 for 7th (highest-ranking freshman).
Free: As noted, Abbey led the field by over two seconds. Robin came in 2nd, besting Izzy and Alicia by over a second. Eloise the highest-ranking freshman here (5th, 52.23).

I'll leave more of the heavy-duty analysis and times-pulling from years past to the experts, but exciting afternoon to kick off the season!

HBear said:

---

Snooped around a bit and found the King/Queen of the Pool results from the Bears' first race of the season -- links on host Cal Poly's website: overall results and event-by-event results.

I'll leave more of the heavy-duty analysis and times-pulling from years past to the experts, but exciting afternoon to kick off the season!

---

Smashing find & analysis, HBear - cheers!

On the go, so I'll just quote last year's results below for your reference & comparison :p

Notably, froskis Chloe Clark, Dani Carter & Anna Kalandadze didn't compete today...

bearz012 said:

---

Final Placing (combined time for all 5 events)

2018
01. Abbey........4:44.22
02. Keaton.......4:49.43
03. Sarah.........4:53.88
04. Robin.........4:56.65
05. Alicia.........4:57.08
06. Elise..........4:59.14
07. Jenna.......4:59.48
08. Chenoa....4:59.54
09. Ema.........4:59.57
10. Ali.............5:00.85
11. Aislinn.......5:01.83
12. Alexa S-N..5:02.24
13. Maddie......5:03.11
14. Natalie......5:03.49
15. Dannie......5:03.57
17. Elizabeth...5:07.87
18. Courtney....5:08.57
23. Alexa B......5:16.17
(Amy, Katie, Alex S, Sophie K-Z didn't swim, Cass didn't swim 100 breast & IM)

-----

100 Free

2018
01. Abbey......49.38
02. Robin.......51.21
03. Elise.........52.07
04. Keaton.....52.18
05. Sarah.......52.22
06. Jenna.......52.75
07. Aislinn......52.85
08. Maddie.....53.18
09. Alicia........53.26
10. Chenoa....53.76
12. Ema.........54.07
14. Ali.............54.17
16. Alexa S-N..54.67
17. Cassidy.....54.79
20. Natalie......55.17
21. Dannie.....55.24
23. Elizabeth..55.40
24. Courtney...55.43
34. Alexa B.....56.63

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100 Back

2018
01. Abbey......56.47
02. Keaton.....56.70
03. Robin.......56.76
04. Alicia........56.89
05. Aislinn......57.59
06. Jenna.......58.38
07. Courtney...58.42
08. Sarah.......58.79
09. Elizabeth..58.81
11. Cassidy.....59.76
12. Alexa S-N..59.83
13. Maddie.....59.88
14. Chenoa.....1:00.23
15. Natalie......1:00.29
17. Dannie......1:00.72
19. Elise..........1:01.23
23. Ema..........1:02.25
25. Ali............1:02.33
35. Alexa B....1:05.97

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100 Breast

2018
01. Abbey.......1:03.35
02. Ema..........1:05.42
03. Chenoa.....1:05.54
04. Ali..............1:05.77
05. Keaton.......1:05.90
07. Natalie.......1:07.22
08. Alicia..........1:07.41
09. Dannie.......1:07.80
10. Alexa S-N...1:07.92
11. Alexa B......1:07.94
12. Sarah.........1:08.58
15. Elise...........1:09.98
18. Robin........1:11.23
20. Aislinn.......1:11.56
21. Maddie......1:11.85
23. Jenna........1:12.45
26. Courtney....1:13.00
29. Elizabeth...1:13.99

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100 Fly

2018
01. Sarah.......55.78
02. Elise.........55.99
03. Jenna.......56.13
04. Cassidy....56.57
05. Maddie.....57.10
06. Keaton.....57.32
07. Ema.........57.51
08. Robin.......57.74
09. Elizabeth..57.84
10. Abbey......58.15
11. Ali.............58.37
12. Dannie.....58.82
13. Alicia........59.00
14. Aislinn......59.04
15. Alexa S-N..59.20
17. Natalie......59.56
19. Courtney...59.89
20. Chenoa.....59.92
32. Alexa B.....1:02.23

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100 IM

2018
01. Abbey.......56.87
02. Keaton......57.33
03. Sarah........58.51
04. Robin.........59.71
05. Jenna........59.77
06. Elise...........59.87
07. Chenoa.....1:00.09
08. Ali...............1:00.21
09. Ema............1:00.32
10. Alicia...........1:00.52
11. Alexa S-N...1:00.62
12. Aislinn........1:00.79
13. Dannie.......1:00.99
14. Maddie.......1:01.10
15. Natalie........1:01.25
16. Courtney.....1:01.83
16. Elizabeth....1:01.83
24. Alexa B.......1:03.40

-----

Some quick notes:

• All around PBs by Abbey, Keaton, Robin, Jenna, Alexa S-N, Dannie, and Elizabeth.
• Good showing from our frosh, especially Alicia, placing top 5, with Elise and Ema close behind. Ema also posted a solid 1:05.42 for 100 breast.
• Maddie, Sarah, and Ali struggling a bit? Both off their 2017 PBs by quite a bit.
• Cassidy seems to be really dealing with an injury...

---

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• QUICK UPDATES =>

Queen Abbey Continues Her Reign

Weitzeil Sets Record In Winning Opening Meet For Second Straight Year


Queen of the Pool Results

100-yard butterfly
1. Isabel Ivey 54.87
2. Abbey Weitzeil 55.30
3. Robin Neumann 56.06

100-yard backstroke
1. Abbey Weitzeil 55.29
2. Sophie Krivokapic-Zhou 55.70
3. Isabel Ivey 55.74

100-yard breaststroke
1. Abbey Weitzeil 1:03.93
2. Ali Harrison 1:05.23
3. Ema Rajic 1:05.36

100-yard freestyle
1. Abbey Weitzeil 48.45
2. Robin Neumann 50.64
3. Isabel Ivey 51.65

100-yard individual medley
1. Abbey Weitzeil 55.79
2. Alicia Wilson 57.11
3. Isabel Ivey 58.09

Final Standings
1. Abbey Weitzeil 4:38.76
2. Isabel Ivey 4:47.36
3. Alicia Wilson 4:48.64

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ABBEY WEITZEIL RETAINS QUEEN OF THE POOL TITLE IN RECORD TIME

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https://instagr.am/p/B2qahUDA4u0
https://instagr.am/p/B2uPpKcAmN9
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HBear said:

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Figured I'd place the pre-season, projected NCAA finish rankings from SwimSwam for anybody who wants to join me in comprehensive team-by-team analysis on the women's side:

#12 - Louisville
#11 - Kentucky
#10 - USC
#9 - Michigan
#8 - Minnesota
#7 - Georgia
#6 - Texas
#5 - Tennessee
#4 - NC State

Top 3 to come, with UVa, Cal, LSJU almost certainly occupying those spots.

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HBear said:

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#3: COLLEGE SWIMMING PREVIEWS: #3 UVA WOMEN RETURN ALL INDIVIDUAL NCAA SCORERS

Freshman class stocked with plenty of SS' top-20 incoming recruits (the newly ranked no. 1, 6, 14, and 16 recruits in the most recent edition), lending themselves to a scarily bright projection for the Hoos.

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• {edit} Please follow the embedded link below to read the full Swimswam article - it'll be beary worth your while!

COLLEGE SWIMMING PREVIEWS: #2 CAL BEARS COVER THEIR BASES WITH NEWCOMERS



Key Losses: Katie McLaughlin (43 NCAA points, 4 NCAA relays), Amy Bilquist (43 NCAA points, 4 NCAA relays)

Key Additions: #9 Ayla Spitz (CA - multi), HM Chloe Clark (CA - multi), Rachel Klinker (KY - free/fly/IM), Sarah Dimeco (WA - free/fly/IM), Danielle Carter (CA - back), Ashlyn Fiorilli (TX - fly/IM), Emma Davidson (CA - sprint free)


SPRINT FREE: *****




DISTANCE FREE: *


BACKSTROKE: ****




BREASTSTROKE: ***




BUTTERFLY: ***


IM: ****




DIVING: *


RELAYS

The Bears were way ahead of anyone else in the 200 free relay, 400 free relay, and 400 medley relay in 2019. It will be much tougher for them to repeat those wins without the immense presences of McLaughlin and Bilquist.

The sprint relays will still potentially have the fields' fastest splits courtesy of Weitzeil, and Ivey and Neumann will be on the 400/800 relays (and maybe the 200 relays). Murphy will be a dagger on the 200 free relay but didn't show the 100 range last year, and Blovad may factor into the 400 relay with Weitzeil, Ivey and Neumann.

The 800 free relay may be the best title bet if Cal chooses to put Weitzeil on it, with Ivey, Neumann, and possibly Spitz. Spitz, a great sprinter, could also figure onto the shorter free relays. These relays will be exceptional thanks to Weitzeil, and the other swimmers here are very good, but just not quite at Bilquist's or McLaughlin's level (yet). Serious progression from Spitz (or perhaps Davidson/Riley/Clark/Klinker) could put any of these relays back into the position of title favorites.

With the medleys, Rajic's role on breast is pretty locked up. If Weitzeil is going to come off of any relay, it may end up being the 200 medley, where someone like Murphy (already a 21-point flat start) can anchor and Ivey could sprint fly with Blovad leading off. In the 400 medley, Blovad and Ivey could do the same with Weitzeil anchoring, or Ivey could take over backstroke and Murphy the fly. The freshmen don't look to quite figure into the medleys with where they're at now.


2019-2020 OUTLOOK

Cal has taken some serious hits, but the losses are more about their strengths being dimmed than actually exposing serious lineup gaps. There is an All-American on the roster in every stroke at the 100 distance, and these relays should all be top 5 or so, with the 800 already looking like a title contender pre-season and the others potentially doing the same depending on freshman progression (and all of the relays really depend on where Weitzeil goes).

This is the most depth we've seen from Cal in the distance events, and they have a nice smattering of names who picked up a couple of points or simply made top 30 in an individual event who return with the chance at being more impactful contributors.

Furthermore, this is the most reachable Stanford has felt in years. We must remember that last year, almost everyone looked at Stanford's dual meet performances, and their mid-season performances, and really doubted the Cardinal. But, in addition to being cautious about not doubting Stanford, we can also acknowledge that their senior losses as well as their true sprint hammer being out (Taylor Ruck), combined with a much smaller freshman class, does make a huge difference. And Cal has a chance to figure them out and get the job done this year.

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WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO QUALIFY FOR THE 2020 DIVISION I NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS?



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Cal Celebrates National Championship Week

Bears Captured 12 Titles In 2018-19

BERKELEY - From the pool to the lake to track & field, Golden Bear student-athletes rose to the top of the podium 12 times in 2018-19, adding an impressive number of national championships to Cal's historical total. The accomplishments will be recognized during the school's annual National Championship Week, culminating with an introduction on the field during Cal's football game vs. Arizona State on Friday, Sept. 27.

In women's swimming & diving, Abbey Weitzeil captured the 50-yard free, and Cal took first place in three separate relays.

Cal's first NCAA championships of 2018-19 came in the pool, starting with women's swimming & diving during national meet in Austin, Texas. Weitzeil earned her first individual title in the 50 free when she lowered her own American record in the event to 21.02 seconds.

The Bears also claimed three relay races during the meet. Weitzeil teamed with Maddie Murphy, Katie McLaughlin and Amy Bilquist to win the 200 free relay, while Bilquist, McLaughlin and Weitzeil were joined by Ema Rajic to win the 400 medley relay. Cal closed out the competition with an NCAA-record swim in the 400 free relay with Isabel Ivey, McLaughlin, Bilquist and Weitzeil getting to the wall first.

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• UPDATES ->

https://instagr.am/p/B2zTqsSgnpG

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https://instagr.am/p/B25YhEwAp4R

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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HBear said:

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Figured I'd place the pre-season, projected NCAA finish rankings from SwimSwam for anybody who wants to join me in comprehensive team-by-team analysis on the women's side:

#12 - Louisville
#11 - Kentucky
#10 - USC
#9 - Michigan
#8 - Minnesota
#7 - Georgia
#6 - Texas
#5 - Tennessee
#4 - NC State

Top 3 to come, with UVa, Cal, LSJU almost certainly occupying those spots.

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HBear said:

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#3: COLLEGE SWIMMING PREVIEWS: #3 UVA WOMEN RETURN ALL INDIVIDUAL NCAA SCORERS

Freshman class stocked with plenty of SS' top-20 incoming recruits (the newly ranked no. 1, 6, 14, and 16 recruits in the most recent edition), lending themselves to a scarily bright projection for the Hoos.

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COLLEGE SWIMMING PREVIEWS: #2 CAL BEARS COVER THEIR BASES WITH NEWCOMERS

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COLLEGE SWIMMING PREVIEWS: INDIVIDUAL TITLES MAY NOT BE ENOUGH FOR #1 STANFORD

2019-2020 OUTLOOK

Cracks did show in the Stanford lineup last year, and gone are the days of Ledecky and Manuel, where the Cardinal dominated the rest of the NCAA by margins in the triple digits.

Stanford returns the most no-senior points, though, when all is said and done. They have some ridiculous top-end speed here, namely in the IM's, the mid-distance free, and the 200's of stroke (which are, well, most of the events). Relays will be very important here; we know their stars can do what needs to be done individually, for the most part, and the divers are sound, so they will have to find a way to get into A-finals and rake in big points.

Their weak point is the sprint events, which does translate to weaker relays, but their freshmen are all sprinters, and Crisera especially comes in with a great 100 free time. There's plenty on this roster to work with, and a few of their returners had a quiet year in comparison to seasons prior. Still, it looks like swim fans will get to see Stanford fighting harder than it has in a few years to cling to their hopes of a four-peat.

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DOLFIN SWIM OF THE WEEK: WEITZEIL CRUSHES LATE-MEET 48.4 IN 100 FREE



NCAA season is upon us, and Abbey Weitzeil kicked it off with as much speed as we could ask for, blasting a 48.4 at the Queen of the Pool meet. Archive photo via Jack Spitser/Spitser Photography

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2019-2020 NCAA WOMEN'S POWER RANKINGS: FIRST EDITION

SwimSwam churning out the content -- just finished their team-by-team previews of men/women's top 12, and here are the power rankings of the women's teams already! Top 5 included below:

#5: TEXAS LONGHORNS (2019 NCAA FINISH: 5TH)
In spite of their repeated struggles to hit their taper at NCAAs, the Texas divers continue to rock in March. They add another potential star to the roster this year in Jordan Skilken. -BK
Texas hasn't completely put it together yet compared to their talent level but they seem to be getting better every year. I'm mainly high on the Longhorns because of their relays, which they've been diligently assembling with every recruiting cycle. -JA

#4: NC STATE WOLFPACK (2019 NCAA FINISH: 7TH)
If it weren't for Virginia, the Wolfpack would be the team we're all buzzing about. The relays especially the 200-yard ones could be nasty. Katharine Berkoff could turn out to be the best freshman in the nation. -JA

#3: VIRGINIA CAVALIERS (2019 NCAA FINISH: 6TH)
The team with all the hype heading into the season, Virginia returns more points from 2019 NCAAs than anyone but Stanford or Cal. The relays could be amazing. How early will we notice this #1-ranked recruiting class? -JA

#2: CAL GOLDEN BEARS (2019 NCAA FINISH: 2ND)
Still an outstanding roster. Abbey Weitzeil singlehandedly makes any team competitive. Cal could have an outside shot to sweep all five relays. They're not as deep as Stanford, but still very good. -JA

Weitzeil already looks ridiculously good. Which should scare a lot of people. -KO

#1: STANFORD CARDINAL (2019 NCAA FINISH: 1ST)
From the chatter after Taylor Ruck's redshirt announcement, you'd think it was open season for taking down Stanford. Not even close. Everyone is forgetting how good this roster is top-to-bottom. Even without Ruck and the graduated Eastin, they return NCAA scorers Brooke Forde, Lauren Pitzer, Allie Raab, Lucie Nordmann, Katie Drabot, Erin Voss, Zoe Bartel, Anya Goeders, Amalie Fackenthal, Grace Zhao and Megan Byrnes. Should I add in the ones in position to move up and score? Do we even have enough space? -JA

https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/a-look-at-the-returning-scorers-in-the-division-i-ncaa-womens-swimming-landscape/



Event-by-event preview for perusal, with Abbey and Izzy highlighting Cal's top returners.

"The 2019-20 NCAA Division I swimming and diving season is coming fast. There have been a lot of changes in the national landscape like there are with every year but with the Olympics coming up at the end of next summer, a lot of the top athletes elected to sit out this season to focus on long course training.

Swimming World has compiled all of the scorers from last year's NCAA Championships and what each event will look like with this year's returning swimmers."

Hey let's go & prove that those SwimSwam readers may have been misinformed come March 2020... Go Bears! :p

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SWIMSWAM PULSE: 55% PICK STANFORD AT #1 FOR WOMEN'S NCAA RANKS

Our most recent poll asked SwimSwam readers to pick their #1 team in preseason Power Rankings:

RESULTS

Question: Who should be #1 in the women's NCAA Power Rankings?

• Stanford Cardinal - 55.1%
• Cal Golden Bears - 27.8%
• Virginia Cavaliers - 8.4%
• NC State Wolfpack - 4.7%
• Someone else - 4.0%

Cal did pull down 27.8% of the votes, a solid margin. They, too, had some key graduations (Amy Bilquist, Katie McLaughlin), but do return arguably the best individual swimmer of the contending teams in Abbey Weitzeil. They also reloaded with a solid recruiting class and have some of the top relays in the country.

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Just linking to this SS article if only for its cheery cover photo, featuring our very own Golden bear sophomore, Izzy Ivey

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SEE 2113 NEW SWIM JOBS YOU MIGHT LOVE



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HBear said:

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2019-2020 NCAA WOMEN'S POWER RANKINGS: FIRST EDITION

#5: TEXAS LONGHORNS (2019 NCAA FINISH: 5TH)

#4: NC STATE WOLFPACK (2019 NCAA FINISH: 7TH)

#3: VIRGINIA CAVALIERS (2019 NCAA FINISH: 6TH)

#2: CAL GOLDEN BEARS (2019 NCAA FINISH: 2ND)

#1: STANFORD CARDINAL (2019 NCAA FINISH: 1ST)

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2019-20 - TYR / CSCAA Division I Polls

Division I Women

Rank | Team | Points
#1 | Stanford | 319
#2 | Virginia | 311
#3 | California | 297
#4 | NC State | 280
#5 | Texas | 259
#6 | Missouri | 251
#7 | Southern California | 243
#8 | Georgia | 235
#9 | Indiana | 211
10 | Florida | 209
11 | Michigan | 206
12 | Texas A&M | 181
13 | Auburn | 158
14 | Ohio State | 140
15 | Tennessee | 133
16 | Notre Dame | 125
17 | Alabama | 113
18 | Minnesota | 107
19 | Kentucky | 88
20 | Wisconsin | 79
21 | Louisville | 75
22 | Duke | 46
23 | UCLA | 31
23 | Florida State | 31
25 | Arizona State | 22

Also receiving votes
Akron 21
North Carolina 19
Louisiana State 19
Utah 9
Northwestern 4
Arizona 3

• Note: below are CSCAA's final poll results for the 2018-2019 season, in which our Bears were ranked 6th (spoiler: Cal were runner-ups @ the 2019 NCAA Championship... :p)

• Rank | Prev | Team | Points
  1 | 3 | Stanford | 325
  2 | 1 | Texas | 312
  3 | 2 | Michigan | 298
  4 | 6 | NC State | 281
  5 | 5 | Virginia | 264
  6 | 4 | California | 258

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• UPDATE -> now reported by SwimSwam:

DEFENDING CHAMPS STANFORD, CAL TOP PRESEASON CSCAA POLLS



The defending champs sit #1 in both the women's and men's preseason CSCAA (College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America) polls, but maybe the biggest change from last year are the Virginia women all the way up to #2.

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Ranking the Best NCAA Division I Women's Swimmers From 1-25

Quickly skimmed, but check out the #2 and #8 spots in particular!

HBear said:

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Ranking the Best NCAA Division I Women's Swimmers From 1-25

Quickly skimmed, but check out the #2 and #8 spots in particular!

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by ANDY ROSS

• 2017-18 pre-season top 25
• 2018-19 pre-season top 25

Swimming World's Top 25 Women's Division I


8. Isabel Ivey, Sophomore, Cal


Photo Courtesy: McKenna Ehrmantraut

2019 times: 200 IM, 1:53.87 (NCAA); 100 fly, 50.82 (NCAA); 100 back, 50.42 (NCAA)

Ivey came up huge for the Golden Bears last year, coming to Berkeley a semester early in January and scoring in two A-Finals and winning the B-Final in the 200 IM, after being in college for just a few weeks. Ivey also led off Cal's winning 400 free relay team that set an American record to close out the meet. She adjusted quickly to her new life in Berkeley last year so what does Ivey have in store for her sophomore season?


2. Abbey Weitzeil, Senior, Cal


Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

2019 times: 50 free, 21.02 (NCAA); 100 free, 46.35 (Pac-12); 200 free, 1:41.97 (Pac-12)

Weitzeil had one of the most impressive meets last season at NCAAs, and not just because she broke her own American record in the 50 free. Weitzeil sustained an injury on Friday night in the 200 medley relay, hyperextending her elbow and causing her to need help getting out of the pool. The big question on the final day was whether she would be able to swim, but she courageously swam with her arm in a cast, placing fourth in the 100 free and then anchoring a record setting 400 free relay. Assuming she doesn't injure herself during the meet again, what will Weitzeil be able to do fully healthy?

https://instagr.am/p/B3fCpZGgCct

LIVE + ON DEMAND RACE VIDEOS - Chick-Fil-A Invitational Hosted by Fresno State

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• UPDATE 1 =>

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Ivey Leads Bears On First Day In Fresno

Cal Wins 10 Of 11 Events At Chick-fil-A Invitational

DAY 1 RESULTS (pdf)

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Quick notes from a brief perusal of results:

Pretty heavy race schedule for everyone, the majority of the team taking on 3 to 4 individual + relay events per session, 2 of these on Friday - with sprint studs like Abbey tackling 8 races on Day 1, who still achieved a pair of 21-something sec splits anchoring her 200 MR & FR relay squads during session 1 (no one else in the field had dipped below the 23 sec mark in their splits).

As Teri had explained: "We had a lot of racing today and did a nice job of taking it one event at a time and giving our best effort," head coach Teri McKeever said. "We got to see a lot of new people race for the first time, which is really important. I was happy with our energy and attention, and we're looking forward to another good session in the morning."

Freshies Chloe Clark & Dani Carter haven't swum for the team up to this point (both were also absent from Queen of the Pool competition back on 20 Sept). Injury-related? Sarah Darcel also a no-show on Friday...

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• UPDATE 2 =>

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[url=https://calbears.com/news/2019/10/12/womens-swimming-diving-cal-finishes-strong-at-chick-fil-a-invite.aspx][/url]
Cal Finishes Strong At Chick-Fil-A Invite

Bears Win 7 Events On Final Day Of Meet

"Today was much more than about the times," head coach Teri McKeever said. "It was more about an attitude and intention, and I saw a lot of good things that we can continue to build on. We look forward to doing that and have a big weekend coming up with Homecoming and the opportunity to celebrate our 2009 NCAA championship. We're excited about that."

The six-team meet featured 20 events over the two days. Cal led the overall standings with 1,373 points, followed by San Diego State (865) and Fresno State (471.5).

DAY 1 & 2 - COMPLETE RESULTS (pdf)

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• UPDATE 3 =>

Cal women's swim, dive look to break 4-year title drought



(excerpt)

It's rare in any sport, professional or collegiate, that a team has the type of success that Cal has had with its women's swim team.

Channeling the Bill Russell-led Boston Celtics teams of the 1950s and '60s, the Bears have 11 consecutive top three finishes the most in the nation including three straight championship appearances.

Each of these past three championship runs have ended at the hands of rival Stanford, leaving Cal with a yearning for redemption this season.

Cal has a new assistant coach in Dani Korman, who brings coaching experience from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and is looking to get the Bears over the hump to win their first national championship since 2015.

"First of all it was a great opportunity to work with the best team in the country," Korman said.

This upcoming season, there are 10 new faces with the chance to do just that: Danielle Carter, Chloe Clark, Emma Davidson, Sarah DiMeco, Ashlyn Fiorilli, Cassie Graham, Anna Kalandadze, Rachel Klinker, Eloise Riley and Ayla Spitz.

When asked about players to keep an eye on, Korman said, "Ayla Spitz has been great in practices."

"The big goal for us to win the national title, but if that doesn't happen we can still have an acceptable season if people are going best times, (and) being willing to race," Korman said.

The Bears' second meet of the season comes Oct. 11, with the Chick-Fil-A Invitational at Fresno State. Along with Fresno State, Cal will be facing the Air Force, San Jose State, San Diego State and Washington State.

"I think all of them will have some good competition for us, but I mean the expectation is that we can just get up and race regardless of who it's against," Korman said. "I think there'll be some good races within the meet, but I think as a team we should come out on top."

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https://instagr.am/p/B3ifZaRAfvo
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• UPDATE 4 =>

Cal women's swim destroys competition at Chick-Fil-A invitational

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https://instagr.am/p/B3svwmqg92M
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Cal football graduation rates jump, Cal Athletics posts highest GSR ever



Graduation rates are out for the California Golden Bears for 2018-19, and they again trend upward. Cal athletes graduated at an 85% rate from the cohort years 2009-12, the highest in program history (the previous was 82% in 1998-99).

• Seven Cal Athletics teams achieved 100% perfect graduation rate: Women's golf, women's gymnastics (three years running), women's swimming and diving (four years in a row), men's (four in a row) and women's tennis (seven in a row), volleyball (eight in a row!!!), men's water polo.
• Four teams went above 90% - men's swimming & diving (92%), women's rowing (94%), field hockey (91%) and women's water polo (90%). Another four programs went above 85% in baseball, men's gymnastics, lacrosse, and softball.

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Anyone with plans to check out our Bears' home opener dual @ Spieker this Thurs afternoon?

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• UPDATES =>

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Anyone with plans to check out our Bears' home opener dual @ Spieker this Thurs afternoon?

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Cal women's swim to host rematch against Washington State in home opener



A very thematic opening to the article:

"It's almost Halloween, aka spooky season. During this time of year it is normal to be a little cautious, if not outright terrified of what monsters may come out from the shadows.

For the Washington State Cougars, however, what they should fear will not surprise them during the night but instead will meet them in the afternoon, specifically 2 p.m. in Berkeley's own Spieker Aquatics Complex, exactly one week before Halloween.

The monster I'm referring to is none other than the Cal women's swim team."

HBear said:

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Cal women's swim to host rematch against Washington State in home opener

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https://instagr.am/p/B4BHs6aAMfS