Get ready for an exciting dive into the world of swimming! NC State's Dominance: A Record-Breaking Sweep
In a thrilling encounter on January 16, 2026, at the Koury Natatorium in Chapel Hill, NC State's men and women's teams showcased their prowess, leaving UNC in their wake. The victory wasn't just any win; it was a record-breaking affair, with six pool records shattered in the process!
Women's Meet: A Sweeping Performance
The women's meet kicked off with a bang as NC State's 200 medley relay team dominated, winning all but two events. The team, comprising Leah Shackley, Eneli Jefimova, Erika Pelaez, and Olivia Nel, clocked an impressive 1:34.72, leaving their own 'B' relay in the dust by over two seconds. But here's where it gets interesting: UNC's 'A' relay managed to finish third with a time of 1:38.32.
In the 400 free relay, the Wolfpack continued their reign, sweeping the top two spots once more. The 'A' team, consisting of Pelaez, Cassie Moses, Lily King, and Nel, swam a remarkable 3:11.21, breaking the pool record and leaving their 'B' relay trailing by over six seconds.
Now, let's talk about the individual stars of the meet. Kennedy Noble shone bright, winning both the 100 backstroke and the 200 IM. Her time of 51.52 in the 100 back was a new season best! Eneli Jefimova followed suit, claiming the top spot in the 100 breaststroke with a swift 58.65, the only swimmer to dip below the one-minute mark. Jefimova's dominance continued in the 200 breaststroke, where she beat UNC's Mary Macaulay by over a second.
Senior Cassie Moses stole the show in the sprint events, breaking the pool record in the 100 free with a final time of 48.07. She tied with teammate Lily Christianson for the top spot in the 50 free, both clocking an impressive 22.07.
Leah Shackley, a sophomore, made her mark in the second half of the meet, winning the 200 back with a time of 1:51.45, just edging out Noble's season-best 1:52.13. Shackley's momentum continued as she claimed victory in the 100 fly, leading an NC State sweep of the top four places.
Other individual event winners for NC State included Katherine Helms, who set a new personal best in the 1000 freestyle, and Erika Pelaez, who dominated the 200 free with a season-best 1:44.03.
Men's Meet: A Record-Breaking Extravaganza
The men's meet was an equally thrilling affair, with four pool records falling to the NC State Wolfpack.
The men started with a bang, setting a new pool record in the 200 medley relay. The team of Quintin McCarty, Arsen Kozhakhmetov, Aiden Hayes, and Drew Salls touched the wall in 1:23.71, beating their own 'B' team's time.
But the records didn't stop there. Max Carlsen, in the 1000 freestyle, not only won the event but also set a new school and pool record with a time of 8:42.38, moving him up to 5th in the NCAA this season. Carlsen's dominance continued in the 500 freestyle, where he finished just off his season best.
Quintin McCarty broke yet another pool record in the 50 free, clocking an impressive 19.02. And if that wasn't enough, McCarty was part of the men's 400 freestyle relay team that set the final pool record of the day. The team, including Jerry Fox, Kaii Winkler, McCarty, and Hudson Williams, swam a blistering 2:46.82, leaving UNC's 'A' team in their wake by over seven seconds.
The individual event winners for NC State included Winkler, who won the 200 free and the 100 fly; Jerry Fox, who took the top spot in the 100 free; and Hudson Williams, who dominated the 100 back. Gavin Keogh and Daniel Diehl also claimed event wins, with Keogh winning the 200 back and Diehl taking the 200 IM.
UNC's Highlights
UNC managed to win three swimming events and both diving events. Ben Delmar shone in the 100 and 200 breaststroke, while Seb Lunak took the top spot in the 200 fly. Carter Loftin dominated the diving events, scoring personal bests in both the 1-meter and 3-meter dives.
Up Next
Mark your calendars! UNC's next meet is the UNC Invitational, taking place from February 4-6th in Chapel Hill. NC State, on the other hand, will host UVA on January 24th. Get ready for more swimming excitement!
So, what do you think? Are you impressed by NC State's dominance? Or do you think UNC will bounce back? Let's discuss in the comments!
