Owls Set for CSCAA National Invitational

Thursday, March 12

Ocala, Fla.

Rice University

CSCAA National Invitational

Photo by: jabrownphotos

3/11/2026 4:48:00 PM | Swimming & Diving

By: Kendyll Morris (km215@rice.edu)

HOUSTON – The Rice swimming team will compete at the CSCAA National Invitational Championships in Ocala, Florida, at the FAST Facility.

Rice finished third at the 2025 NIC, highlighted by Ella Dyson, who secured the Owls' lone first-place finish by winning the 1650 freestyle, while Ava Portello placed second in the event.

Eleven Owls will represent Rice at the meet: Lily Archibald, Lizzie Zadel, Avery Karacz, Bella Zhang, Lily Cramer, Dyson, Siiri Einio, Ava Hamblett, Sami Johnson, Abigail King and Gio Musiello.

Rice will also compete in five relay events: the 200 freestyle relay, 400 freestyle relay, 800 freestyle relay, 200 medley relay and 400 medley relay.

Portello and Reese Cole will not compete at the NIC as both qualified for the NCAA Championships next week in Georgia. Cole qualified in the 400 IM, while Portello qualified in the 500 and 1650 freestyle events.

The Owls enter the NIC following their back-to-back American Conference championship on Feb. 21. Fans can follow the meet on the FAST Florida YouTube channel.