Story Links
HOUSTON –The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros swimming & diving program showcased a commanding performance, relying on a cohesive team effort to decisively defeat both McMurry and St. Thomas on Saturday at the Rice University Aquatics Center Natatorium.
Demonstrating their dominance, UTRGV secured victory by clinching nine out of the eleven events contested, amassing a total of 124 points. This impressive showing placed them well ahead of their competitors, with McMurry finishing with 57 points and St. Thomas trailing with just 12 points.
Freshmen Ida Rudelius and Annaleagh Stahl emerged as standout athletes for the Vaqueros, each making remarkable contributions by clinching three individual event victories throughout the competition.
Rudelius shone in the pool with her triumphs in the 50 freestyle, registering a time of 25.87 seconds, dominated the 100 butterfly with a swift 1:01.09, and played a crucial role as the first leg of the victorious 400 free relay team.
Stahl also demonstrated her prowess, achieving wins in the 400 individual medley with a noteworthy time of 4:40.18, the 100 backstroke with a finish of 1:00.30, and anchored the 400 free relay, further solidifying the team’s performance.
Sophomore Olivia Votava added to the winning momentum by finishing first in the 100 breaststroke, clocking in at 1:14.39, while also contributing to the team’s effort in the 400 free relay as the third leg swimmer.
The day got off to a strong start as sophomore AJ Rogers teamed up with freshmen Diara Aleman, Sarah Garcia, and Mia Gonzalez to claim victory in the first event, the 200 medley relay, setting a positive tone for the rest of the meet.
Freshman Manou Meulebeek continued her stellar season with her fourth triumph in diving, achieving a score of 273.53 on the 3-meter springboard, showcasing her consistent excellence in the sport.
Sophomore Chloe Siegrist clinched her first victory of the season in the 1000 freestyle, finishing with a time of 11:44.40. Additionally, freshman Madiana Lofgren contributed by winning her event as the second leg of the successful 400 freestyle relay team.
Looking ahead, the Vaqueros are set to travel to Las Cruces, where they will compete in their first Western Athletic Conference tri-meet featuring New Mexico State and Northern Arizona on November 9. The day prior, on November 8, they will engage in a relay meet against the Aggies in Las Cruces.
Team Standings:
1. UTRGV, 124
2. McMurray, 57
3. St. Thomas, 12
Complete Results:
200 medley relay
1. AJ Rogers, Diara Aleman, Sarah Garcia, Mia Gonzalez, 2:01.87
3. Lauren Uribe, Caitlynn Rubio, Alexia Gonzalez, Audrey Trevino, 2:11.77
400 individual medley
1. Annaleagh Stahl, 4:40.18
2. Olivia Votava, 4:56.82
200 freestyle
2. Chloe Siegrist, 2:05.14
4. AJ Rogers, 2:19.95
100 breaststroke
1. Olivia Votava, 1:14.39
3. Diara Aleman, 1:20.35
50 freestyle
1. Ida Rudelius, 25.87
3. Madiana Lofgren, 26.62
Exhibition
1. Audrey Trevino, 28.15
2. Caitlyn Brown, 29.55
3. Caitlynn Rubio, 29.68
3-meter springboard
1. Manou Meulebeek, 273.53
2. Delaney Murphy, 258.53
100 butterfly
1. Ida Rudelius, 1:01.09
2. Sarah Garcia, 1:06.68
4. Alexia Gonzalez, 1:09.74
100 freestyle
2. Madiana Lofgren, 58.73
3. Mia Gonzalez, 1:00.49
100 backstroke
1. Annaleagh Stahl, 1:00.30
4. AJ Rogers, 1:09.09
1000 freestyle
1. Chloe Siegrist, 11:44.40
2. Abygail Martinez, 13:24.30
400 freestyle relay
1. Ida Rudelius, Madiana Lofgren, Olivia Votava, and Annaleagh Stahl, 3:46.24
4. Audrey Trevino, Lauren Uribe, Caitlyn Brown, and Abygail Martinez, 4:19.39
Interview with UTRGV Swimming & Diving Coach, John Davis
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Coach Davis. Congratulations on your team’s outstanding performance at the Rice University Aquatics Center. What does this victory mean for the Vaqueros swimming & diving program?
Coach Davis: Thank you! We’re thrilled with how the team performed. This victory shows the hard work and dedication the athletes have put in during training. Winning nine out of eleven events is a testament to our team’s strength and cohesion, and it sets a positive tone for the rest of the season.
Editor: Ida Rudelius and Annaleagh Stahl had incredible individual performances. Can you tell us more about their contributions and what they brought to the team?
Coach Davis: Absolutely! Both Ida and Annaleagh demonstrated exceptional talent and determination. Ida’s victories in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly, along with her role in the 400 free relay, were crucial. Annaleagh’s wins in the 400 individual medley and 100 backstroke really showcased her versatility in the pool. They both have a bright future ahead and inspire the rest of the team.
Editor: Sophomore Olivia Votava and a number of other freshmen also made significant contributions. As a coach, how do you nurture such talent?
Coach Davis: Our approach has always been about fostering a supportive environment. We emphasize teamwork and encourage the athletes to lift each other up. With such a blend of experience and fresh talent, we’re able to create a competitive yet supportive atmosphere that maximizes everyone’s potential.
Editor: Looking ahead, you mentioned the upcoming tri-meet in Las Cruces. What are your expectations for that event?
Coach Davis: We’re looking forward to the challenge! Competing against New Mexico State and Northern Arizona will be a great test for our athletes. Our goal is to build on our success, continue refining our skills, and perform at our best. Each meet is a chance to learn and grow, and we’re excited about what’s to come.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Coach Davis. Best of luck to you and the team in your upcoming competitions!
Coach Davis: Thank you! We appreciate the support and look forward to continuing this journey.
D Annaleagh were phenomenal. Ida’s victories in the 50 freestyle, 100 butterfly, and her role in the 400 freestyle relay really displayed her versatility and speed. Annaleagh’s wins in the 400 individual medley and 100 backstroke, along with anchoring the relay, were crucial for our success. Their hard work is inspiring, and they really elevate the team when they compete at such a high level.
Editor: The team showcased significant depth, with contributions from several athletes. How does this blend of talent impact your coaching strategy moving forward?
Coach Davis: Having a deep, talented roster is essential. It allows us to diversify our training and develop each swimmer’s strengths. Moving forward, we’ll continue to leverage this depth to create healthy competition within the team, which I believe will push everyone to improve as we approach our next meets.
Editor: Looking ahead to your upcoming meets against New Mexico State and Northern Arizona, what are your main areas of focus for the team?
Coach Davis: We’re definitely looking to build on this momentum. Our main focus will be maintaining our team energy and refining our techniques. Each swimmer has areas where they can improve, and we want to ensure that we’re ready to execute our strategies effectively in those meets. The Western Athletic Conference competition will be a great test for us.
Editor: Thank you, Coach Davis. We wish you and the Vaqueros continued success this season!
Coach Davis: Thank you! We appreciate the support, and we’re excited for what’s ahead!
