Total Domination! #8/#6 NC State Annihilates #22 UNC, Smashing Six Pool Records!
Get ready for a deep dive into a collegiate swimming showdown where one team utterly dominated! On January 16, 2026, the NC State Wolfpack traveled to Chapel Hill and absolutely crushed their rivals, the UNC Tar Heels, in a display of speed and skill that left the Koury Natatorium buzzing. We're talking about a performance so impressive, they shattered six pool records! But here's where it gets controversial... was this just a case of NC State being exceptionally strong, or did UNC simply have an off day? Let's break down the details and you can decide!
The Matchup: #8/#6 NC State vs. #22 UNC
- Date: January 16, 2026
- Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Koury Natatorium
- Course: SCY (25 Yards - Short Course Yards)
- Full Meet Results: Link to Full Meet Results
- Final Team Scores:
- Women: #8 NC State 204 — UNC 94
- Men: #6 NC State 179 — #22 UNC 108
These final scores paint a clear picture: NC State was the undeniable victor. Both the men's and women's teams demonstrated exceptional prowess, securing a decisive win over their in-state rivals. But let's not just look at the final numbers; let's dive into what made this meet so special.
With these momentous wins in 2026, NC State has improved their all-time record against UNC to 44-48 on the men’s side and the women’s record to 16-39. These numbers are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the teams, as they continue to close the gap in their historical rivalry.
Women’s Meet: A Wolfpack Stampede
The NC State women came out roaring, setting the tone for the entire meet right from the start. They practically swept the competition, winning every swimming event except for two. Talk about making a statement!
The 200 medley relay was a particularly impressive start, with the NC State 'A' team leaving their competition in the dust. The quartet of Leah Shackley (23.82), Eneli Jefimova (26.52), Erika Pelaez (23.05), and Olivia Nel (21.33) blazed through the water in 1:34.72. That's over two seconds faster than their own 'B' relay (1:36.53), and a whopping four seconds ahead of UNC's 'A' team (1:38.32). This dominant performance showcased the Wolfpack's depth and talent.
They weren't done there! In the 400 free relay, the Wolfpack once again snagged the top two spots. Pelaez (47.96), Cassie Moses (47.67), Lily King (47.76), and Nel (47.82) combined for a blistering 3:11.21, crushing the previous pool record and finishing more than six seconds ahead of their 'B' relay (3:17.78). This relay victory was a clear demonstration of their speed and teamwork.
The Wolfpack's success wasn't just about relays, though. Four different swimmers each claimed victory in two individual events:
- Kennedy Noble: Dominated the 100 backstroke (51.52, a season best) and the 200 IM (1:57.06). Noble's versatility and speed were key to NC State's success.
- Eneli Jefimova: The breaststroke queen! She was the only swimmer to break the 1:00 barrier in the 100 breaststroke (58.65) and also clinched the 200 breaststroke (2:10.05), beating UNC's Mary Macaulay by a significant margin. Jefimova's strength in the breaststroke events provided valuable points for the Wolfpack.
- Cassie Moses: A sprint specialist! Moses not only won the 50 free (22.07), tying with teammate Lily Christianson, but also shattered the pool record in the 100 free (48.07). Moses's speed and determination made her a force to be reckoned with in the sprint events.
- Leah Shackley: Shackley secured victories in the 200 backstroke (1:51.45), edging out teammate Noble, and the 100 fly (51.85), leading an NC State sweep of the top four spots. Shackley's versatility and athleticism were crucial to the Wolfpack's dominance.
Katherine Helms and Erika Pelaez also contributed individual event wins for NC State. Helms achieved a personal best in the 1000 freestyle (9:41.55), while Pelaez led an NC State sweep in the 200 free (1:44.03, also a season best).
UNC managed to secure a few victories of their own, primarily in the distance and diving events. Taylor Bloom won the 200 butterfly in a personal best time of 1:55.19. Maren Conze took the 500 freestyle, also with a personal best (4:44.82). And sophomore diver Sofia Knight swept both diving events, achieving personal best scores in both the 1-meter (312.45) and 3-meter (333.38) competitions. These wins were bright spots for the Tar Heels in an otherwise challenging meet.
Men’s Meet: Pool Records Tumble!
The NC State men were just as dominant as their female counterparts, setting four new pool records in a display of raw power and speed.
They kicked off the meet with a pool record in the 200 medley relay, with the team of Quintin McCarty (21.04), Arsen Kozhakhmetov (23.96), Aiden Hayes (20.24), and Drew Salls (18.47) touching the wall in 1:23.71. This victory set the stage for a record-breaking performance throughout the meet.
Next up, Max Carlsen obliterated the competition in the 1000 freestyle, setting a new school and pool record with a time of 8:42.38. This performance catapulted him to 5th in the NCAA rankings, solidifying his status as a top distance swimmer. And this is the part most people miss... Carlsen's record wasn't just a win; it was a statement of intent, proving that NC State is a force to be reckoned with in distance events.
Carlsen also claimed victory in the 500 freestyle (4:15.00), further showcasing his dominance in distance events. Quintin McCarty continued the record-breaking spree with a pool record in the 50 free (19.02). McCarty was also part of the final pool record of the day, the men's 400 freestyle relay. The team of Jerry Fox (41.80), Kaii Winkler (41.63), McCarty (41.62), and Hudson Williams (41.77) swam 2:46.82, finishing a massive seven seconds ahead of UNC.
Speaking of Fox, Winkler, and Williams, they each secured at least one individual event win. Winkler took the top spot in the 200 free (1:33.62) and the 100 fly (45.99), Fox won the 100 free (42.14), and Williams dominated the 100 back (45.53).
Gavin Keogh and Daniel Diehl rounded out the event wins for NC State, with Keogh taking the 200 back (1:42.00) and Diehl winning the 200 IM (1:43.89).
UNC managed to grab three swimming victories and both diving events. Ben Delmar swept the breaststroke events, winning both the 100 breaststroke (52.68) and the 200 breaststroke (1:54.09). Seb Lunak secured the top spot in the 200 fly (1:43.62). Carter Loftin won both diving events, scoring 306.45 on the 1-meter and 328.50 on the 3-meter. These wins were crucial for UNC to salvage some points in an otherwise challenging meet.
What's Next?
- UNC: Heads to the UNC Invitational from February 4-6th in Chapel Hill.
- NC State: Will host UVA on Saturday, January 24th.
So, what do you think? Was this NC State's shining moment, or did UNC simply underperform? Could the Tar Heels have done anything differently to challenge the Wolfpack's dominance? And more importantly, who do you think will come out on top in the ACC Championships? Let's hear your predictions and discuss in the comments below!
