University of Sioux Falls Swimming Team Opens 2026-27 Season with Five Individual Wins
The Cougars’ performance highlighted the depth of their roster, with multiple athletes claiming top finishes across freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and individual medley events.
Key Performances Highlight Sioux Falls’ Season Opener
Charlotte Gibbs led the Cougars with two individual wins, capturing the 200-yard freestyle (1:56.76) and the 500-yard freestyle (5:28.92). Kalina Zaharieva added a first-place finish in the 1000-yard freestyle with a time of 11:16.20, while Isabella Perkins and Elena Kalaydzhiyska each claimed victories in the 100-yard backstroke (1:01.82) and 100-yard breaststroke (1:08.73), respectively. The Cougars also recorded multiple runner-up finishes, including Kalaydzhiyska’s second-place time in the 200-yard breaststroke (2:29.84) and Gibbs’ second-place finish in the 200-yard individual medley (2:12.36). Sioux Falls’ relay teams contributed to the tally, with the second-place 200-yard medley relay team (1:51.11) and the 400-yard freestyle relay squad placing fourth (4:03.95).
Xenia Tauer finished fourth in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2:05.33, while Miley Mieczkowski placed third in the 200-yard butterfly (2:32.84). Irene Paris secured runner-up honors in the 200-yard butterfly (2:10.43), and Anna Pride finished fourth in the 400-yard freestyle relay (4:03.95). In the 50-yard freestyle, Nil Ilter placed third (24.69) and Lotta Keitel took fourth (24.97). The Cougars also recorded strong finishes in the 100-yard freestyle, with Nil Ilter placing third (54.04) and Keitel fourth (55.32).
Event Details and Results
The meet, held at Nemzek Pool in Moorhead, Minn., saw Sioux Falls secure five individual event victories, as noted in both [usfcougars.com](#) and [bvmsports.com](#). Key performances included:
– Charlotte Gibbs: 200-yard freestyle (1:56.76), 500-yard freestyle (5:28.92)
– Kalina Zaharieva: 1000-yard freestyle (11:16.20)
– Isabella Perkins: 100-yard backstroke (1:01.82)
– Elena Kalaydzhiyska: 100-yard breaststroke (1:08.73)
Minnesota State Moorhead (the Dragons) won the meet with a score of 188-104.
Upcoming Events for the Cougars
Sioux Falls will compete in the Knight Invite at JHS Pool in Jamestown from October 23-24, 2026, before hosting a quad dual at Midco Aquatic Center on November 6-7, according to [usfcougars.com](#).
FAQ
How many individual events did Sioux Falls win?
The Cougars secured five individual event victories, as reported by both [usfcougars.com](#) and [bvmsports.com](#).
Who led the team with two individual wins?
Charlotte Gibbs won the 200-yard freestyle (1:56.76) and 500-yard freestyle (5:28.92), according to [bvmsports.com](#).
What was the final score of the meet?
Minnesota State Moorhead defeated Sioux Falls, 188-104, as stated in [usfcougars.com](#).
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