Golden Bears Dominate Minnesota Invite, Signaling Championship Form
Minneapolis, MN – The No. 6 University of California women’s swimming adn diving team delivered a commanding performance at the Minnesota Invite this weekend, securing victories across multiple events and establishing key NCAA qualifying times. The decisive showing underscores Cal’s position as a national contender as the program looks ahead too the postseason.
The Golden Bears’ success at the invite highlights their depth and potential for success at the upcoming Pac-12 Championships and NCAA Championships. Several swimmers achieved NCAA cuts, solidifying their chances to compete on the national stage. This meet served as a crucial chance for athletes to refine their skills and build momentum heading into the heart of the competitive season.
Ella Cosgrove secured second place in the 1650 freestyle, clocking a time of 16:13.97 – the 10th-fastest time in program history. Teagan O’Dell and Finley Anderson swept the top two spots in the 200 backstroke, both achieving NCAA qualifying times of 1:52.71 and 1:54.73, respectively. Mary-Ambre Moluh lead a 1-2 finish in the 100 freestyle, touching the wall at 47.43, followed closely by teammate Weinstein at 47.70, also earning an NCAA cut.
Abby Herscu continued Cal’s winning streak, claiming first place in the 200 breaststroke with a qualifying time of 2:10.96. In the 200 butterfly, Mia West (1:53.94) and Lilou Ressencourt (1:55.49) secured gold and silver medals, respectively, both with NCAA cuts, while Ava Chavez finished fourth with a time of 1:57.47.
The Bears concluded the individual races with a dominant showing in the 400-freestyle relay. The quartet of Ressencourt, charlotte Burnham, Gracyn Aquino, and Sydney Griscavage combined for a winning time of 3:16.06.
Cal will resume competition in 2026 with a dual meet against USC on January 16 and UCLA on January 17 in Los angeles.
