FLAGSTAFF, Arizona. (October. 3, 2025) – Northern Arizona women's swimming and diving wrapped up the annual Blue vs. Gold intrasquad meet Friday afternoon at the Wall Aquatic Center, with the Gold squad finishing ahead of Blue behind strong swims and diving victories. The exhibition served as NAU's final tune-up before next week's All-Arizona Invite in Tucson.Â
The seniors led the way, combining seven of the 10 victories.
Gold opened the meet with a win in the 200-yard medley relay (1:45.58), led by Allie Hayes, Cydnie Perkins, Elsa Musselman, and Kokona Watanabe. Freshman Abbie Miller answered for Blue in the 200 free, clocking 1:56.77 for her first intrasquad victory. Watanabe claimed the 50 free in 24.45, while Perkins added a title in the 100 free (53.82). Veteran Gracie Munk showed her versatility for Blue, winning both the 200 IM (2:11.00) and 100 backstroke (58.31).
Gold extended its momentum with a 1–2 finish in the 100 fly, as Musselman (57.20) touched just ahead of sophomore Kaci Kelaher (57.21). Perkins continued her strong day in the 100 breaststroke, winning in 1:04.83, followed by Blue's Trelise Dance in second (1:06.03) and Gold's Mariana Diaz-Ponce in third (1:07.07).
Blue excelled in the distance lane, with Teddy Sabev capturing the 500 free (5:23.62) and teammate Isahbel Krasht taking second (5:28.48). Gold closed the swim program with a decisive win in the 200 free relay (1:38.41), anchored by Kelaher.
Head coach Andy Johns praised the team's effort and atmosphere in the season's first competition: "Today was a lot of fun, a lot of great energy, great racing. We're excited about getting going next week. Next week will be different down in Tucson, the great competition is what we need in order to get better."
The meet also marked the season debut for NAU divers, who delivered close contests on both boards.
Head diving coach Nikki Kelsey said the performance was an encouraging first step for her group: "Well it is really early for us. We did three days of 1-meter [practice]Â and three days of 3-meter dives of doing our optionals, so the fact that we had some really good stuff going on is awesome. Everyone had great dives and everyone had a miss here and there, but that's Blue and Gold. We're going to try to get a little bit better for next weekend."
The Lumberjacks return to action Oct. 10–11 at the All-Arizona Invite in Tucson, the first official meet of the 2025–26 season.
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