AKRON, Ohio – The 2026 Mid-American Conference Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships began Wednesday evening in Akron’s Oliver J. Ocasek Natatorium. The Akron Zips lead the team standings with 80 team points through two events.

Akron’s 200 Medley Relay team of Felicia Klintemar, Clair Cox, Callie Parkes, and Ada Szwabinska set a pool, MAC, and Championship record of 1:36.22 to kick off the competition. The record was previously set at 1:36.28 by Akron in 2019.

The Zips also won the 800 Freestyle Relay with a time of 7:12 46, by Helena Lalkovic, Brie Trumpower, Elle Couture, and Hannah Trainer.

Buffalo took runner-up in the 800 free relay (7:15.70) and sits in second place overall with 64 team points. Ohio is in No. 3 (62 pts.) after two relay events. Ball State touched second in the 200 medley relay (1:37.58) and is fourth in the team standings with 60 team points.

The 2026 MAC Women’s Swimming & Diving Championship continues Thursday morning for Day Two competition. Prelims beginning at 10:00 AM (EST) with the finals to follow at 6:00 PM (EST), including the 500 freestyle, 200 IM, 50 freestyle, 1-meter diving, and 400 medley relay.
 
Team Standings after Day One
1. Akron – 80 pts.
2. Buffalo – 64 pts.
3. Ohio – 62 pts.
4. Ball State – 60 pts.
T-5. Eastern Michigan – 54 pts.
T-5. Miami – 54 pts.
7. Massachusetts – 48 pts.
8. Toledo – 28 pts.
9. Bowling Green – 22 pts.
 
2025 MAC Women’s Swimming & Diving Event Winners
200 Medley Relay – Akron (Klintemar, Cox, Parkes, Szwabinska) 1:36.22 *^$
800 Freestyle Relay – Akron (Lalkovic, Trumpower, Couture, Trainer) 7:12.46
 
* MAC Championship Record
^ MAC Record
 $ Oliver J. Ocasek Natatorium Pool Record