ST. LOUIS - A pair of Missouri State swimmers were awarded Swimmer and Freshman of the Week awards, the league announced Wednesday morning.

Senior Lily DeSpain earned MVC Swimmer of the Week by setting MVC markers in multiple events last Saturday against SEC opponent Arkansas. The senior from Springdale, Arkansas led a Bears sweep of the 500-yard freestyle where all four Missouri State swimmers finished in front of all the Razorback entries. DeSpain swam a 4:58.63 to win the event, which is the fastest time in the 500-free in the MVC this season and the only time below the five-minute mark. 

DeSpain also took the best MVC time in the 200-fly (2:02.26), faster than her sixth-place time in the 2022 MVC Championships when she posted a 2:03.07.

Caitlyn Friebe won MVC Freshman of the Week by initiating herself into the college ranks with her first career event win against Arkansas in the 100-yard backstroke. The Springfield, Missouri native posted her personal best time of 54.48, placing Friebe as the second-fastest swimmer in the 100 back in the conference after just three career meets so far in college.

Both awards are the first weekly conference accolades for the Bears this season.

Missouri State swimming & diving returns to action for the Purdue Invitational starting Thursday, November 16 and lasting until Saturday, November 18 in West Lafayette, Indiana.