Get ready for a thrilling swim meet recap that will keep you on the edge of your seat! The 2026 NCAC Championships delivered a nail-biting finish as Kenyon College’s women’s team staged a dramatic comeback to snatch the title from Denison University in the final 400-yard freestyle relay. But here's where it gets even more exciting: Denison’s men’s team successfully defended their crown, showcasing a dominant performance that left no doubt about their supremacy. Mark your calendars for February 10-14, 2026, in Granville, Ohio, where the action unfolded in a 25-yard pool, with live results and recaps available for those who couldn’t witness the drama firsthand.
Women’s Recap: A Race to Remember
The women’s competition was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a heart-stopping finale. Kenyon entered the 400 free relay trailing Denison by a mere three points, setting the stage for an epic showdown. Denison’s Olivia Morse gave her team an early edge with a 51.30 lead-off split, but Kenyon’s Molly Haag was hot on her heels with a 51.35. The real strategy, however, was Kenyon’s decision to save their fastest swimmers for the second half of the relay. Kate Bogan’s blistering 50.02 split on the third leg propelled Kenyon into the lead, and Lisa Torrecillas-Jouault sealed the deal with a stunning 49.27 anchor leg, securing the win in 3:21.71. Denison finished second in 3:23.21, leaving the title in Kenyon’s hands.
And this is the part most people miss: Torrecillas-Jouault’s heroics didn’t stop there. Earlier in the evening, she claimed the 100 free title with a personal best of 50.46, edging out Bogan, who finished second. Haag also shone, dominating the 1650 free in 16:40.29, completing a trifecta of wins after earlier victories in the 200 and 500 freestyles. Gwen Eisenbeis added to Kenyon’s triumph with a backstroke sweep, clocking a lifetime best of 1:59.91 in the 200 back. But here’s a controversial take: Could Denison’s early lead have been maintained if they’d adjusted their relay strategy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Kenyon’s Kelsey Van Eldik narrowly outpaced Denison’s Drue Thielking in the 200 breast, touching first in 2:14.19. Denison’s women fought valiantly, with Phoebe Ferguson winning the 100 IM in 57.21 and Emily Harris claiming the 200 fly in 2:01.81. Is Denison’s consistent performance a sign of future dominance, or will Kenyon’s strategic brilliance prevail next year?
Men’s Recap: Denison’s Dominance
The men’s competition was a showcase of Denison’s depth and talent. The meet kicked off with a 1-2 finish in the 1650 free, as George Goins dominated with a 15:24.75, followed by teammate Ben Campbell in 15:38.47. Jack Hill completed a remarkable trifecta, winning the 100 IM in 48.81, adding to his earlier victories in the 200 IM and 200 free. Denison’s relay team of Hill, Nick Hensel, Cam Blevins-Mohr, and Harry Parsons closed the meet with a commanding win in the 400 free relay, clocking 2:54.42.
Kenyon’s men also made their mark, with Djordje Dragojlovic winning the 100 free in 43.58 and Ethan Manske taking the 200 fly in 1:48.41. Wabash’s Ryan West and John Carroll’s Bart Kubis earned their first NCAC wins, with West clocking a lifetime best of 1:46.42 in the 200 back and Kubis touching first in the 200 breast in 2:00.78. But here’s a thought-provoking question: With Denison’s men so far ahead, is the NCAC men’s competition becoming a one-team show, or can other schools close the gap?
Final Scores
Women’s:
1. Kenyon College — 1944
2. Denison University — 1853
3. DePauw University — 1377.5
4. John Carroll University — 1037
5. College of Wooster — 991
6. Oberlin College — 681
7. Wittenberg University — 579.5
Men’s:
1. Denison University — 1958.5
2. Kenyon College — 1741.5
3. John Carroll University — 1192.5
4. DePauw University — 1095
5. Wabash College — 1030
6. College of Wooster — 789.5
7. Oberlin College — 786
8. Ohio Wesleyan University — 450
9. Wittenberg University — 173
About Anya Pelshaw
Anya Pelshaw has been a cornerstone of SwimSwam since June 2021, serving as both a writer and social media coordinator. Her coverage includes the 2022-2025 Women’s NCAA Championships, the 2023 US Summer Nationals, and the 2024 European Championships. For more insights into her work, visit her bio page.
