Editor’s note: With several sports going on, Wildcat Wrap serves as a recap that focuses on the Arizona programs that we do not have the time to cover on a regular basis but are certainly worthy of recognition.
Arizona swimming and diving got off to a strong at Big 12 Championships Tuesday as the Wildcats women’s 200 medley relay won the conference title.
Lila Lillie, Eleni Gewalt, Patricija Kondraskaite and Julia Wozniak won the race with a time of 1:35.34.
That relay win was a testament to preparation and team spirit,” said head coach Ben Loorz. “They’ve been a very connected group all season, and have really built the habit of winning, meet after meet. To see them put the hammer down like that tonight reminds me of what my dad used to say — ‘I love it when a plan comes together!'”
The women’s 200 medley relay win was one of five podium finishes for the Wildcats.
The men’s 200 medley relay team took second place, while both teams’ 800 free relay finished runner-up.
Arizona men’s divers Luke Hernandez, Bo Bridges and Colin Agor won bronze in the team event.
Four days of competition remain at the conference championships, which are taking place in Greensboro, N.C. The event can be streamed on ESPN+.
Beach volleyball
Arizona beach volleyball went 3-1 to open the season, including a win over at top-15 opponent.
The Wildcats competed last week at the GCU Invitational in Phoenix, where they defeated UC Davis and Colorado Mesa on the first day, then lost to No. 5 TCU and beat No. 13 GCU on day two.
In the win over host GCU, Arizona received a crucial point on court No. 1 from Regan Holmer and Carlie Cisneros. Cisneros, an outside hitter on the women’s volleyball team, is competing in beach volleyball this spring.
Arizona also received points vs. GCU from Sophia Winter and Jamie Streit as well as Sadie Moore and Brooke Boyko.
In the Wildcats’ loss to TCU, the lone pair to win their match was Ashlyn Zilliken and Madeline Walker.
Arizona opens its home slate with the Cactus Classic, where it’ll host UTEP and ASU on Friday and Oregon and Georgia State on Saturday.
Women’s golf
Behind one of the top rounds in Arizona women’s golf history, the Wildcats finished runner-up at The Westbrook Invitational in Peoria.
Sara Vitasek, a freshman from Naples, Fla., shot a 64 on the first day, tied for the lowest round in program history.
Arizona ended the tournament at 35-under par, two strokes behind winner Missouri. Nena Wongthanavimok led the Wildcats with an 11-under across the three-round event to finish in a tie for fourth. Ni Kinsley finished in 10th at 8-under and Vitasek finished in a tie for 11th at 7-under.
Arizona returns to action next week when it competes at the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate in Hilton Head Island, S.C.
