Two Event Champions Power Rice in Day One Lead

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Rice closed Day 1 of the American Conference Championships in first place with 354.5 points, highlighted by two event titles.

American newcomer Liberty sits second with 323 points, followed by East Carolina in third with 218.5.

Rice opened the finals session with a season-best performance in the 200-yard medley relay. Abigail King, Siiri Einio, Lily Archibald and Avery Karacz combined to place third in 1:39.05.

Ava Portello claimed the first of Rice's two titles, defending her 500 freestyle crown in 4:42.67 to earn an automatic NCAA berth. Ella Dyson finished third in 4:47.28, while Ava Hemblett (4:47.61) placed fourth and Sami Johnson (4:49.70) finished 10th as the Owls totaled 104 points in the event.

Rice dominated the 200 individual medley, sweeping the top two spots. Reese Cole won the event in 1:58.28, and freshman Bella Zhang followed in second at 1:59.06. Lily Cramer added an eighth-place finish (2:01.97), while Gio Musiello (2:01.47) won the B final and Abigail King (2:04.17) in the C final. The Owls scored 107 points in the event, their highest total of the day.

In the 50 freestyle, Avery Karacz (23.08), Lizzie Zadel (22.92) and Zara Bolton (23.36) combined for 49.5 points. Rice added 15.1 points in team diving with a score of 207.50.

"We had a great first day of the meet; lots of energy and some really great racing," head coach Seth Huston said. "Ava Portello earned an automatic NCAA bid with her 500 free victory and led from start to finish. The 1-2 finish in the 200 IM with Reese Cole and Bella Zhang was awesome. They stayed in their lane and executed their race plans to a T."

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