The Cal Golden Bears took home their fourth win in eight days in a 184 to 113 victory over the host Bruins, where they claimed wins in 13 of 16 events.
“I think we did an awesome job today,” head coach Teri McKeever in a statement to Cal Athletics. “The thing that sticks out the most is just the amazing weather, the band coming, the atmosphere and different women stepping up in different events. We had a tremendous turnout with our alumnae. I think Farida (Osman) was exceptional, and (Rachel) Bootsma is better than she’s ever been during the year. I think our depth is really starting to show through.”
Cal started off the meet with a win in the 200 Medley Relay (1:40.84) ahead of UCLA’s A team (1:41.48). Cal’s B team was just behind for third in 1:41.73.
Cal freshman Cierra Runge took the 1000 Free in 9:55.48 ahead of UCLA teammates Katy Campbell (10:03.18) and Michaela Merlihan (10:06.81).
Cal sophomore Missy Franklin finished almost three seconds ahead of the field in the 200 Free for the win (1:46.82). UCLA’s Monica Dornick touched second in 1:49.09, just ahead of Cal senior Camille Cheng (1:49.46).
Cal Bear Elizabeth Pelton took the 100 Back in 53.94 ahead of UCLA’s Madison White (54.61). Pelton‘s teammate Kelly Naze followed up for third in 55.59.
UCLA broke Cal’s winning streak with a first-place finish in the 100 Breast by Allison Wine (1:01.78). She finished ahead of a 2-3 Cal finish by Marina Urzainqui (1:03.45) and Maija Roses (1:04.35).
Cal responded with a 1-2-3 finish in the 100 Back led by Rachel Bootsma (1:58.23) in the 200 Fly. Her teammates Noemi Thomas (1:59.59) and Celina Li (2:00.04) took second and third, respectively. UCLA freshman Katie Grover finished just behind for fourth in 2:00.58.
Cal sophomore Farida Osman swam to a first-place finish in the 50 Free (22.77) ahead of teammates Kaylin Bing (23.10) and Missy Franklin (23.20) for another 1-2-3 Cal charge.
Rachel Bootsma took her second event win for Cal in the 100 Free, swimming to a 50.08. Her teammate Rachel Acker touched second in 50.59, just ahead of UCLA’s Monica Dornick (50.72).
Elizabeth Pelton was another double winner for the Golden Bears, swimming to a first-place finish in the 200 Back (1:55.07). Her teammate Melanie Klaren was second in 1:58.88 ahead of UCLA’s Madison White (1:59.75).
Cal’s Marina Urzainqui claimed first in the 200 Breast (2:14.58) ahead of UCLA’s Jessica Khojasteh (2:18.03). Cal freshman Maija Roses touched third in 2:19.05.
Golden Bear Cierra Runge took her second event win of the meet in the 500 Free (4:50.29) ahead of UCLA’s Katy Campbell (4:53.59). Runge‘s teammate Catherine Breed followed up for third in 4:54.98.
Cal’s Farida Osman won the 100 Fly in 53.61 ahead of a 2-3-4-5 UCLA charge. Bruin freshman Katie Grover was second in 55.41 ahead of teammates Katie Kinnear (55.81), Noelle Tarazona (55.95) and Anna Quinn (56.59).
Cal sophomore Celina Li took the 400 IM (4:17.34) ahead of UCLA’s Arlyn Upshaw (4:22.56). Upshaw‘s teammate Noelle Tarazona was third in 4:26.07.
The Golden Bears finished off the meet with a win in the 200 Free Relay from their B team (1:32.36) ahead of UCLA’s A team (1:33.63).
Click here for full meet results.
I missed this meet as I was over watching (scouting) the Stanford women dismantle USC. I’m so excited for this upcoming dual meet!!
At first I was sure Cal would win this head to head, especially after the departure of Maddy Schaefer , but after watching Stanford on Saturday, especially the younger swimmers (Ally Howe, Janet Hu, Lindsey Engel and Simone); I realized how good these girls really are. The Stanford breaststrokers are special too. Cal will have their hands full, but I think in the end they will WIN but it will be really close. In any event, it’s going to be awesome to watch! Go Bears!
Correct the Cal 1-2-3 finish with Bootsma, Thomas and Li. That’s in the 200 fly.
Unlike last year, Bootsma and Pelton look very good. And Osman is ready for big things at NCAAs.