PHARR, Texas (February 28, 2026) - The Northern Arizona women's swimming and diving team won the 2026 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation conference championship on Saturday evening, totaling 1,350 points. The Lumberjacks claimed the title by 123 points over New Mexico State.
The win marks the 13th straight conference championship for NAU swimming and diving, following a dominant 12-year run in the Western Athletic Conference before joining the MPSF this year.
"This was an overall team win," head swimming coach Andy Johns said. "From Wednesday night's relays and the diving sweep, we had tremendous efforts and results from everyone. Our morning prelim sessions set us up well, and then almost everyone either moved up or swam faster at night to secure the points."
Teddy Sabev opened the afternoon finals session in the 1,650-yard freestyle, clocking 17:01.59 to finish seventh.
Next was the 200-yard backstroke, where Gracie Munk earned a podium finish with a time of 1:58.46 to take bronze. Allie Hayes (2:01.78) and Kat Richter (2:05.34) competed in the "B" final, finishing 10th and 15th, respectively, while Summer Ferguson swam 2:03.66 in the "C" final to place 19th.
The 'Jacks were represented in the 100-yard freestyle "A" final by Kokona Watanabe, who finished sixth in 50.54, and Katarina Klatt, who placed seventh in 50.64. Rosie Keith and Evalotta Aabrams qualified for the "C" final, recording times of 51.56 and 51.74, respectively.
In the 200-yard breaststroke final, NAU placed two swimmers on the podium. Cydnie Perkins took silver and set a new school record with her time of 2:12.75, breaking the previous mark of 2:12.95 set by Hayley Mayhew at the same pool in 2023.
Trelise Dance secured bronze in 2:15.38, while Mariana Diaz-Ponce finished fifth with a time of 2:16.87.
Adding two more podium finishes, Isahbel Krast was second in the 200-yard butterfly "A" final with a time of 2:01.65, and Elsa Musselman followed closely in third at 2:01.70. Kaci Kelaher placed fifth in 2:02.37.
Margaret Wesche secured her third podium finish of the championship, taking third in the platform diving event with a score of 242.40. Her twin, Grace Wesche, followed in fourth with 238.30.
Mackenna Stocker scored 221.25 to finish seventh. In her four-year career, she has earned a top-eight finish in all three diving events each year.
"I am so proud of all the divers. A podium sweep on the 1-meter, Maggie with three podiums. All three veteran seniors finished in the top eight in all three events. A rookie senior scored in the 3-meter and platform and nearly made the top 16 on platform. They've done so well," head diving coach Nikki Kelsey said. "Mack is the only diver to make the top eight in all three events all four years, which is fantastic. They all did great, and even when it wasn't easy, they fought for it. There were so many great swims, too. Lucky 13 feels pretty awesome! Love this group!"
The final event of the evening was the 400-yard freestyle relay. NAU's team of Musselman, Watanabe, Klatt, and Kelaher placed second with a time of 3:20.92 to earn another podium finish.
"The divers were outstanding in all three events and provided some much-needed points early in the meet, but the swimmers held their own, especially the last two days, and put some distance between us and New Mexico State and Northern Colorado, two very good teams that are well coached," Johns added.
"Our depth in the butterfly and breaststroke really separated us from the field. I'm so proud of our team and happy for our seniors. They've been such great leaders and tough competitors during their careers, so it's fitting for them to go out as champions."
Over the four days, Northern Arizona earned two gold, seven silver, and eight bronze medals.
NAU will host the NCAA Zone "E" Diving meet at the Wall Aquatic Center from March 9-11.
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Women - Team Rankings - Through Event 42
1. Northern Arizona 1,350
2. New Mexico State 1,227
3. Northern Colorado 1,171.5
4. California Baptist 980.5
5. Idaho 942
6. Pepperdine 610
7. Utah Tech 604
8. Pacific 431
9. Incarnate Word 420.5
10. UTGRV 271.5
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