Aqualopers Edge the Eagles in Edmond

11/14/2022 10:53:00 AM

Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska Kearney Aqualopers scored 1,497 points to get past Oklahoma Christian this weekend in Edmond.

This annual event is usually an invitational but was just a dual this year on the women's side between UNK and the Division II Eagles (1,443 points) from Oklahoma City.

UNK didn't win any events but used its new-found depth to edge OC by 54 points. Colorado sophomore Karley Bennett led the way as she was runner up in both the 100 (1:02.40) and 200 (2:27.02) butterfly and fifth in both the 200 breaststroke (2:40.55) and 200 individual medley (2:19.38). Her time in the i.m. places her 10th in school-history. Finally, she also swam lead for the second-place 800-free relay team (8:37.39).

Next, Colorado freshman Joy Graziano led UNK in both the 50 (12th/25.79) and 100 (8th/55.17) freestyle while swimming anchor on two relay teams and lead for the 200-free foursome. All five of UNK's top relay teams cracked the top five.

On two of those relay teams was Colorado freshman Caralea Holmberg. She was the third leg for the 400 and 800-free squads and individually led the team in the 200 free (4th/2:02.53), 200 i.m. (4th/2:17.40) and 200 backstroke (6th/2:16.41). Her time in the 200 back is a season-best and ranks her seventh in Aqualoper lore. Finally, Kansas freshman Gabby Grace was sixth in the 100 back (1:02.64) with an effort that moves her up a spot to sixth on UNK's all-time list while being the only Aqualoper on each of the top five relay teams.

UNK heads to Sioux Falls this Thursday-Saturday (Nov. 17-19) for the Augie Invitational.

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