COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri State women's swimming & diving team produced three individual and one gold relay swim to complete a four-peat and reclaim its title as MVC Champions Saturday evening at the Mizzou Aquatic Center.
The title marked the program's fourth straight and 12th in the past 13 years. Â
MSU led all four days and amassed an 826.50 team score to reclaim its reigning championship distinction, its most points scored since its 2016-17 title. Southern Illinois broke away during Saturday's finals to solidify its runner-up spot at 603 points, followed by Indiana State with a 539.50 total. Illinois State (454) switched spots with UNI (445) and claimed fourth by a slim nine-point margin while the Panthers settled for fifth. Evansville (272), Little Rock (216), and Valparaiso (127) filled out the remaining Valley members.
"Our team produced quality swims in all four days of the championship," said head coach, and MVC Coach of the Year selection, Dave Collins. "Good performance are contagious, and with it comes winning efforts."
In Saturday night's opening event, Libby Howell clinched her third gold medal and paced a 1-2-3-4 Bears' finish in the 1650 freestyle. Her 16:44.16 time came eight seconds before fellow Bear Sam Hietpas clinched the silver and was followed by Grace Beahan and Alex Thorson to emphasize MSU's long-distance dominance.
Not to be outdone, Anna Miller nipped SIU's Sierra Forbord for her third title in the 100 freestyle with a 49.78 finish. Over the four-day meet, Miller clinched gold in the 100 fly and 100 free, while also producing a record-breaking effort in the 50 free.
Howell and Miller combined for six of the Bears' seven individual crowns.
Freshman Alessia Puleo pulled off the upset in the 200 breast, claiming her first conference and career win with a 2:13.92 result.
"I'm so proud to be able to earn my first conference and career win here at the MVC Championship," said Puleo. "I swam really well and am happy with my performance."
The Bears comprised the heart of the 200 back A-heat finishers, with Ellie Southward, Sarah Allegri, Madison Brown, and Sydney Radloff all finding the podium. Southward (1:59.02) led the pack in third, Allegri (2:01.20) and Brown (2:01.26) touched the wall 5-6, and Radloff (2:02.53) rounded off the finalists in eighth.
Senior Haley Allen produced one of her best championship swims in the 200 fly A-final, finishing fourth with a 2:03.69 mark to cap her career as a Bear.
"This is such a surreal experience," said Allen. "I am incredibly proud to be a part of a class that has completed a four-peat, and I am happy to share this moment with my teammates."
Diving completed its strong showing on the 3-meter boards with two podium placers – Ashley Yarbrough (284.20) and Dayana Popa (257.10) – turning in third-and-fourth place dives, respectively.
"I was proud of how I dove today among some tough competition," said Yarbrough. "We are all happy and excited to be champions."
Saturday's action concluded on a high note for the Bears, as Howell, Miller, Hannah Amelung, and Thorson won the 400 freestyle relay to complete MSU's sweep of the free relays.
For all the latest information on the Missouri State swimming and diving team, visit missouristatebears.com or follow @MoStateSwim on Twitter.
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