In a thrilling display of swimming prowess, NC State's men and women swept #22 UNC at the Koury Natatorium in Chapel Hill on January 16, 2026. The NC State women's team dominated, winning all but two events, while the men's team secured a commanding victory with six pool records broken. This win improves NC State's all-time record to 44-48 for men and 16-39 for women.
Women's Meet Recap:
The women's meet began with a sweep of the 200 medley relay by NC State, who won all but two events. The relay team of Leah Shackley (23.82), Eneli Jefimova (26.52), Erika Pelaez (23.05), and Olivia Nel (21.33) set a new record with a time of 1:34.72, outperforming their 'B' relay's time by over two seconds. UNC's 'A' relay finished in 1:38.32, securing third place.
In the 400 free relay, NC State's 'A' team of Pelaez (47.96), Cassie Moses (47.67), Lily King (47.76), and Nel (47.82) claimed victory with a time of 3:11.21, breaking the pool record and beating UNC's 'B' relay by over six seconds. Four swimmers stood out during the meet: Kennedy Noble, Eneli Jefimova, Cassie Moses, and Leah Shackley.
Men's Meet Recap:
The men's meet was equally impressive, with four pool records broken by NC State. The day began with a pool record in the 200 medley relay, achieved by Quintin McCarty (21.04), Arsen Kozhakhmetov (23.96), Aiden Hayes (20.24), and Drew Salls (18.47), who finished in 1:23.71, surpassing their 'B' team's time.
Max Carlsen won the 1000 freestyle in 8:42.38, setting a new school and pool record, and moving him up to 5th in the NCAA this season. Carlsen also claimed the 500 freestyle in 4:15.00, just shy of his season best. Quintin McCarty broke the pool record in the 50 free with a time of 19.02, two tenths off his season best.
The men's 400 freestyle relay saw McCarty, Jerry Fox, Kaii Winkler, and Hudson Williams set a new pool record with a time of 2:46.82, more than seven seconds ahead of UNC's 'A' team. Other notable winners include Winkler (200 free and 100 fly), Fox (100 free), and Williams (100 back).
Controversy & Comment Hooks:
While NC State's dominance is undeniable, UNC's performance in individual events and diving cannot be overlooked. UNC won two individual swimming events and both diving events, with Taylor Bloom setting a new personal best in the 200 butterfly and Maren Conze claiming the 500 free. Sofia Knight's diving prowess also deserves recognition.
What do you think? Did NC State's sweep come as a surprise to you? Or did you expect their dominance given their strong record? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
