NC State has secured the inaugural College Swimming League championship, accumulating 519.5 points to top Tennessee, Virginia, and Indiana. They entered the meet as the #3 seed coming out of the regular season.
Virginia, with a 6-0 record, was the top seed and a huge favorite coming into the championship, but finished in third place with 449.5 points. Tennessee, the #2 seed, finished as the runner-up with 469 points. Indiana secured the final spot in the championship by winning the wildcard match on Thursday night and finished last in the final with 282 points.
NC State’s Championship Performance
Despite being the #3 seed, NC State rose to the occasion to win the inaugural championship. The team was the first to arrive in Indianapolis and had a healthy roster, unlike other programs. NC State was led by standout performers on both the men’s and women’s sides. The women’s team was guided by breaststroker Eneli Jefimova, who claimed victory in the 100 and 200 breaststroke events and also captured all four rounds of the 50 breast skins race. Her 200 breast win of a 2:05.70 marked a lifetime best for the sophomore.
Key Performances from NC State Stars
On the men’s side, Kaii Winkler led the way. He established a new CSL record in the 100 IM, captured the 100 fly title, and won three of the four rounds of the 50 free skins race. Winkler’s performance in the 50 freestyle skins races was crucial for the victory. In a previous match, he was eliminated in round 1, but in the championship final, he moved on in all four rounds, winning rounds 2, 3, and 4 while finishing 2nd behind teammate Jerry Fox in round 1. Freshman Jan Gajda also rose to the occasion, winning the men’s 100 breast in a lifetime best 52.02.
Championship Recap and Event Winners
The championship match featured several key events. For NC State’s women, Eneli Jefimova swept the breaststroke events, winning the 200 breast (2:05.70), the 100 breast (58.13), and the 50 breast skins in all four rounds (26.55, 26.83, 26.55, 26.55). On the men’s side, Kaii Winkler set a CSL record in the 100 IM (46.37) and won the 100 fly (45.50). He also won the 50 free skins in rounds 2, 3, and 4 (19.83, 19.79, 20.00) and swam the backstroke leg on the team’s super skins medley relay. NC State’s Max Carlsen won the men’s 500 free (4:13.25).
