Get ready for a thrilling recap of the 2025 Minnesota Invite's Day 2 Finals, where the Cal Bears dominated the pool like never before. But here's the twist: despite their sweeping victories, the real drama unfolded in the women's 100 butterfly, where Harvard's Kiley Wilhelm nearly stole the show. And this is the part most people miss—the intricate strategies and record-breaking performances that define this prestigious event.
Held from December 4-6, 2025, at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center in Minneapolis, this SCY (25 yards) competition showcased the nation's top swimmers. With live streams, real-time results, and psych sheets available online, fans worldwide could witness history in the making. The meet followed the traditional NCAA order, featuring a mix of individual and relay events that tested speed, endurance, and teamwork.
Controversial Highlight: The Cal Bears' dominance sparked debates about team dynamics and training strategies. Are they setting the bar too high, or is this the new normal in collegiate swimming? Weigh in below!
Women’s 200 Medley Relay
The Cal quartet of Mary-Ambre Moluh, Silje Slyngstadli, Annie Jia, and Mia West delivered a jaw-dropping performance, clocking 1:34.88. Moluh's leadoff split of 23.52 was her fastest 50 back ever, a surprising feat given her usual freestyle role. Their time catapulted them to 8th in the national standings, a position likely to hold as midseason invites wrap up.
Men’s 200 Medley Relay
Cal's men mirrored their female counterparts, with Lucca Battaglini, Yamato Okadome, Casper Puggaard, and Nans Mazellier securing a time of 1:22.33. Battaglini's leadoff split of 20.59 was a personal best, setting the stage for his individual 100 fly showdown later in the session.
Women’s 100 Butterfly
Cal's Mia West and Annie Jia went 1-2, with West touching at 51.12 and Jia at 51.50. Harvard's Kiley Wilhelm rounded out the podium at 51.78. West's time was a significant improvement from her October dual meet, showcasing her breakout season.
Men’s 100 Butterfly
Cal's Lucca Battaglini and Sam Quarles dominated, finishing at 45.43 and 45.45, respectively. Battaglini's performance was his second-fastest ever, while Quarles nearly stole the win with a late surge.
Women’s 400 IM
Cal's Teagan O’Dell and Alexa McDevitt battled it out, with O’Dell narrowly winning at 4:08.14. Kathryn Hazle completed the Cal sweep at 4:09.63, solidifying their dominance in this event.
Men’s 400 IM
Cal's Humberto Najera won with a time of 3:41.59, followed by teammates Ryan Erisman and Freddy Klein. Najera's performance was just shy of his 2024 win at this meet, highlighting his consistency.
Women’s 200 Freestyle
Cal's Claire Weinstein led a 1-2-3-4 sweep, touching at 1:43.06. Her teammates Mia West, Ava Chavez, and Ella Cosgrove followed closely, showcasing the team's depth.
Men’s 200 Freestyle
Cal's Keaton Jones and Thackston McMullan took the top spots, with Jones clocking 1:33.62. Harvard's David Greeley rounded out the top three, breaking the 1:36 barrier.
Women’s 100 Breaststroke
Cal's Silje Slyngstadli and Elle Scott went 1-2, with Slyngstadli touching at 59.58. Harvard's Aliana Marakovic prevented another Cal sweep, finishing third.
Men’s 100 Breaststroke
Cal's Yamato Okadome won with a time of 50.48, lowering his personal best. Teammates Luca Gissendaner, Zachary Tan, and Hank Rivers completed a Cal sweep of the top four.
Women’s 100 Backstroke
Cal's Mary-Ambre Moluh dominated with a time of 50.61, followed by teammate Teagan O’Dell. Minnesota's Ava Yablonski finished third, breaking the 53-second mark.
Men’s 100 Backstroke
Cal's Evan Petty won with a time of 44.83, clearing the field by over a second. Teammate Casper Puggaard logged a lifetime best of 46.00, showcasing his versatility.
Women’s 800 Free Relay
Cal's team of O’Dell, Camille Henveaux, Lilou Ressencourt, and Alexa McDevitt secured the win at 7:06.44, edging out Harvard and Minnesota.
Men’s 800 Free Relay
Harvard's quartet of David Greeley, Marre Gattnar, Sonny Wang, and Evan Croley won with a time of 6:27.61, ahead of Minnesota and Denver. Notably, defending champions Cal scratched from the event.
Thought-Provoking Question: With Cal's unprecedented dominance, is the NCAA swimming landscape becoming too predictable, or are we witnessing the rise of a new dynasty? Share your thoughts in the comments!
