Rice Swim Team Wins Conference Title by 154 Points

Rice University's swim and dive team turned last year's nail-biting conference championship into this year's commanding victory, winning by 154.5 points in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The difference between the two seasons tells an incredible story. Last year, Rice won by just 1.5 points in a finish so close that every stroke mattered. This year, the Owls led from day one and never looked back, staying ahead by triple digits for most of the four-day meet.

"This year, I feel like the team really came in and expected and wanted and did what it took to win right out of the gate," said head coach Seth Huston. By the final day, he could breathe easy knowing his team had sealed the deal.

The Owls put on a clinic with 12 individual podium finishes and three relay podium finishes. Sophomore Ava Portello emerged as a star, racking up 92 individual points and earning two automatic bids to the NCAA Championship meet with wins in the 1,650 and 500-yard freestyle events.

But the real story is how deep this team runs. Sophomore Reese Cole won the 400-yard individual medley and also earned an NCAA bid. Freshmen Bella Zhang and Lily Archibald both finished second in their events, proving this program's future looks bright.

The Owls even swept the entire podium in the 1,650-yard freestyle. Portello, senior Ella Dyson, and senior Ava Hamblett took first, second, and third place in one of the meet's toughest events.

The Ripple Effect

This victory shows what happens when a team transforms from underdog to powerhouse. Last year's surprising win gave these swimmers belief. This year's dominant performance proved they belonged at the top.

The team's success extends beyond the conference championship. Eleven swimmers advanced to the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America National Invitational Championship, where Rice finished third last year. Two divers qualified for the NCAA Zone meet.

Huston credits the entire roster for the win, from seniors like Lily Cramer to depth contributors like junior Sami Johnson. "You don't win it on a handful of people," he explained. "It's a whole team effort."

For these Owls, the conference championship was just the beginning of their postseason journey. They've passed the first test with flying colors.