Get ready for an exciting day 2 of the 2025 Minnesota Invite! The Cal Bears are on a roll and dominating the meet, except for one event where they're not the top seeds - the women's 100 butterfly. Harvard's Kiley Wilhelm is leading the way, but Cal's Annie Jia is hot on her trail.
Today's schedule follows the traditional NCAA order, featuring the 100 fly, 400 IM, 200 free, 100 breast, and 100 back. And we've got a special treat - two relays to kick things off and wrap up the night!
Women's 200 Medley Relay - Timed Finals
The Cal women's team, consisting of Mary-Ambre Moluh, Silje Slyngstadli, Annie Jia, and Mia West, put on an incredible display of teamwork and speed. They dominated the race from start to finish, clocking an impressive 1:34.88. Moluh's opening split was her fastest 50 back ever, breaking her previous record of 23.90. This team's performance has them moving up the national rankings, now sitting at 8th place.
Minnesota's squad also broke the 1:40 barrier, finishing second with a time of 1:38.10. Rutgers took third place, touching the wall at 1:40.53.
Men's 200 Medley Relay - Timed Finals
The Golden Bear men continued their winning streak, claiming victory in the medley relay as well. Lucca Battaglini, Yamato Okadome, Casper Puggaard, and Nans Mazellier combined for an outstanding time of 1:22.33. Battaglini's leadoff split was a personal best, almost a full second faster than his previous record. Keep an eye on him in the individual 100 back event later!
UNLV took second place, edging out Minnesota with a time of 1:25.58. Bryson Huey's anchor leg for UNLV was the game-changer, outsplitting Connor Groya by over a second with an impressive 18.52.
Now, let's dive into the individual events:
Women's 100 Butterfly - Finals
The women's 100 fly is set to be a thrilling race. With the NCAA record at 47.42, set by Gretchen Walsh in 2024, the current invite time of 51.87 shows just how competitive this event will be.
Men's 100 Butterfly - Finals
The men's 100 fly is no less exciting, with Caeleb Dressel's NCAA record of 42.80 from 2018 still standing. The 2025 invite time of 45.12 indicates a fast-paced and closely contested race.
Women's 400 IM - Finals
In the women's 400 IM, Ella Eastin's NCAA record of 3:54.60 from 2018 is the benchmark. The invite time of 4:09.53 suggests a strong field of competitors.
Men's 400 IM - Finals
Leon Marchand's NCAA record of 3:28.82 in the men's 400 IM is a tough act to follow. The 2025 invite time of 3:41.6 indicates a battle for the top spot.
Women's 200 Freestyle - Finals
Missy Franklin's NCAA record of 1:39.10 in the women's 200 free is a legendary mark. The invite time of 1:44.74 shows that this event is wide open for a new champion.
Men's 200 Freestyle - Finals
Luke Hobson's NCAA record of 1:28.33 in the men's 200 free is a recent achievement, set in 2024. The invite time of 1:32.27 suggests a fast and exciting race.
Women's 100 Breaststroke - Finals
Lilly King's NCAA record of 55.73 in the women's 100 breast is a tough challenge. The invite time of 59.51 indicates a competitive field.
Men's 100 Breaststroke - Finals
Julian Smith's NCAA record of 49.51 in the men's 100 breast, set in 2025, is a recent benchmark. The invite time of 51.58 shows that this event is up for grabs.
Women's 100 Backstroke - Finals
Gretchen Walsh's NCAA record of 48.10 in the women's 100 back is a target for the competitors. The invite time of 51.68 suggests a closely contested race.
Men's 100 Backstroke - Finals
Hubert Kos' NCAA record of 43.20 in the men's 100 back, set in 2025, is a recent achievement. The invite time of 45.26 indicates a battle for the top spot.
And finally, we have the relays to wrap up the night:
Women's 800 Free Relay - Timed Finals
The women's 800 free relay is set to be a thrilling conclusion to the day. With the NCAA 'A' cut at 7:00.86, it's a fast-paced race.
Men's 800 Free Relay - Timed Finals
The men's 800 free relay is no less exciting, with the NCAA 'A' cut at 6:14.67.
Get ready for an action-packed day of swimming! Who do you think will take home the top honors? Let's discuss in the comments and share your predictions!
