Virginia Dominates CSL Match 2, Claims Victory

Virginia Women’s Team Opens CSL Season with a Win

The reigning women’s NCAA champions kicked off their season today in the second match of the College Swim League (CSL) with an exciting competition.

Match Overview

Following an exhilarating night of swimming, tonight’s event featured teams from Virginia, NC State, Georgia, and Alabama. Virginia, a six-time defending NCAA champion, entered as the favorite. However, NC State’s strong lineup, ranked #7 in SwimSwam’s power rankings, posed a significant challenge.

Key Performances

The CSL format ensures rapid action, and we are committed to providing timely updates on the results.

In her CSL debut, UVA’s Claire Curzan delivered an outstanding performance, clocking a remarkable 1:46.85 in the 200 backstroke, finishing over three seconds ahead of her competitors. Her achievement earned her a Jackpot swim, giving the UVA women an early lead. NC State’s Leah Shackley followed with a solid second-place finish at 1:50.09, while UVA’s Teagan O’Dell made a strong debut, securing third place in 1:51.08.

On the men’s side, David King maintained UVA’s lead in the 200 backstroke. After a competitive start, King surged ahead by the halfway mark, ultimately winning with a time of 1:39.11, also earning a Jackpot swim. Alabama’s Tommy Hagar finished second at 1:40.16, just ahead of NC State’s Daniel Diehl, who completed the race in 1:40.22.

In a thrilling showdown, NC State’s Eneli Jefimova and Leah Hayes battled fiercely for first place in the 200 butterfly. Jefimova triumphed with a time of 2:06.72, while Hayes finished second in 2:07.99 after a strong effort.

Alabama’s First Win

Alabama’s Steijn Louter secured the team’s first CSL victory in the 200 breaststroke, finishing at 1:55.27, just ahead of NC State’s Jan Gajda, who clocked in at 1:56.30. UVA freshman Gerhardt Hoover made a notable debut, taking third with a time of 1:57.86.

UVA’s Strong Showing Continues

Olympian Katie Grimes led the UVA women in another event, finishing first in the 400 IM with a time of 4:38.08, dominating the competition by over two seconds.

The men’s 500 freestyle was fiercely contested, with Thomas Koski leading Georgia to their first CSL win at 4:12.85. Alabama’s Leonardo Alcantara came in second at 4:13.18, while UGA’s Sean Green finished third in 4:14.49.

Relay Events

Virginia excelled in the women’s 4×50 freestyle relay, achieving a top time of 1:25.51. However, their B-relay was disqualified for a false start despite tying for third with Alabama.

In the men’s skins, NC State dominated, winning in 1:15.00, while UVA secured second and third places with times of 1:16.85 and 1:17.98, respectively.

Individual Highlights

Tess Howley led a 1-2 finish for UVA in the 200 butterfly with a time of 1:54.07.
Teagan O’Dell won the 100 IM in 52.63, contributing to another 1-2 finish for UVA.
David King won the 100 backstroke, finishing in 45.52, with Isaiah Aleksenko (45.72) and Tommy Hagar (45.87) following closely.
Anna Moesch took first place in the 100 freestyle with a time of 46.86, while Alabama’s Cadence Vincent finished second at 47.69.

Final Events and Standings

In the final events, UVA continued to lead, securing a total of 666 points, while NC State finished second. The competition remains fierce as both teams look forward to upcoming matches in the season.

Tonight’s meet showcased the talent and competitiveness of collegiate swimming, setting the stage for an exciting CSL season ahead.

Source Reference (SwimSwam): 2026 CSL Match 2 (VIRGINIA, NC STATE, GEORGIA, ALABAMA): Live Recap