Meet Results
- October 6-7, 2017
- Chick-Fil-A Invitational
- Meet Results
- Score
- California 1,318.5
- San Diego Stae 677
- University of Nevada, Reno 654.5
- Fresno State 518
- San Jose State 460
Press Release
Courtesy of California Athletics
No. 2 California finished off the two-day Chick-Fil-A Invitational with another strong set of events Saturday, as the Golden Bears claimed five of seven races and won the five-team event.
“We had another good day of tough racing and I felt like we did a nice job of bouncing back from yesterday,” head coach Teri McKeever said. “It was fun to be here and watch some people swim in some off events. Overall, it was a really good weekend and I’m proud of the way we showed up. We’re going to need to refocus and get ready for our meet at Utah on Monday.”
With Saturday’s results, Cal totaled victories in 16 of 20 events over the two days of competition. The Bears won the meet with 1318.5 points, over second-place San Diego State with 677 points. Nevada (654.5), Fresno State (518) and San Jose State (460) rounded out the results.
As the Bears did on Friday, many swimmers competed outside their normal events. Junior Kathleen Baker, the reigning NCAA champion in both backstroke events, won the 200-yard breaststroke in 2:16.58, edging out teammates Sarah Darcel (2:18.33) and Ali Harrison (2:20.90), to complement her victory in the 100 breast Friday.
Junior Katie McLaughlin, who typically swims longer events such as the 200 free or 200 butterfly, took first in the 100 free in 50.88. Butterfly specialist Noemie Thomas, though, swam to her strength and won the 200 fly in 2:01.80, about a second over Darcel (2:02.89).
Cal also claimed both relays on the day. The 400 medley relay squad of Baker, Harrison, McLaughlin and Valerie Hull, just out-touched teammates Keaton Blovad, Maija Roses, Thomas and Robin Neumann, 3:47.04 to 3:47.48. In the concluding 400 free relay, Baker, Neumann, McLaughlin and Abbey Weitzeil earned a victory in 3:22.51.
In other racing, Chenoa Devine led the Bears in the 1650 free, taking second in 17:14.54, while Neumann was the top Cal swimmer in the 200 back, finishing second in 2:02.05.
“Personally, it was an enjoyable couple of days to be back where I first coached,” added McKeever, who served as head coach at Fresno State from 1987 until she moved to Cal in 1992 and will be inducted into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame next month.
After returning home Saturday night, the Bears hit the road again Monday for their first dual meet of the season at Utah.
