North Carolina State University Athletics
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NCAA Women's Swimming & Diving Championships
NC State Begins Nationals Run With Top-5 Relay Finish
3/18/2026 11:24:00 PM | Swimming
ATLANTA, GA - The No. 9 NC State Wolfpack women's swimming and diving team opened competition at the NCAA Women's Swimming and Diving Championships on Wednesday at the McAuley Aquatic Center, turning in a solid start in the women's 200 medley relay against the nation's top programs.
NC State competed in the 1650 freestyle, 800 freestyle relay, and 200 medley relay to kick off a week of competition.
Senior Emma Hastings highlighted the distance event for the Wolfpack, swimming her final 1650 freestyle with a 21st-place finish in 16:13.27.
In relay action, the 800 freestyle team of Katherine Helms, Teia Salvino, Kennedy Noble, and Lily King fought through a competitive morning session in pursuit of All-America honors. Despite a determined effort, the group narrowly missed the cut, finishing 17th overall with a time of 7:04.48.
NC State's top performance of the night came in the 200 medley relay. The squad of Leah Shackley, Eneli Jefimova, Erika Pelaez, and Olivia Nel rose above their No. 8 seed, delivering a strong swim to place fifth overall. The result secured a podium finish, produced the third-fastest time in program history, and marked the Wolfpack's fastest performance in the event this season.
Looking Ahead
After day one, NC State sits 12th in the team standings with 28 points, just behind Florida. The Wolfpack returns to the pool Thursday for the 100 butterfly, 400 IM, 100 breaststroke, and 200 freestyle relay. Preliminary heats begin at 10:00 a.m., with finals set for 6:03 p.m.
#GoPack | @packswimdive
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