Women's Swimming | 2/16/2026 6:00:00 PM
February 17–20, 2026 | SPIRE Institute | Geneva, Ohio | Trials 10:00 AM | Finals 6:00 PM
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The Saint Francis Red Flash women's swimming team will travel to Geneva, Ohio, to compete in the 2026 NEC Swimming & Diving Championships. The four-day championship meet will take place at the SPIRE Institute.
This year's NEC Championships will follow a Tuesday–Friday format, concluding on Friday evening rather than Saturday. The meet will also mark the final time Saint Francis competes at the NEC Championships as a member of the conference, adding special significance to this postseason appearance.
OPPONENTS AT A GLANCE:
Saint Francis will compete against Central Connecticut State, Howard, Long Island, Wagner, Le Moyne, and Stonehill in the women's championship field.
Howard and CCSU return as recent top teams in the conference, while Wagner and LIU bring strong relay depth and balanced scoring across individual events. The championship format rewards both podium finishes and team depth, making relays and B-final performances critical to overall team success.
BACK IN THE POOL: LAST YEAR AT NECS:
At the 2025 NEC Championships, Saint Francis finished third overall, marking the program's best finish under head coach Phil Hurley in recent seasons.
Sara Turner earned a podium finish in the 200-yard butterfly, while Taylor Weth and Kathryn Tanis placed in the A-final of the 200-yard breaststroke. Maura Rubio delivered a strong finish in the 200-yard backstroke, and Reegan Brown and Katie Webster contributed key relay performances as the Red Flash showed depth across strokes.
Saint Francis placed swimmers in A- and B-finals throughout the meet, highlighting the team's balance and competitive strength.
PREVIOUS ACTION:
The Red Flash closed out the regular season at the Western PA Invitational, capturing multiple event victories. Sara Turner led the way with wins in the 500-yard freestyle, 200-yard butterfly, and 200-yard breaststroke, while the 200-yard medley relay of Maura Rubio, Turner, Laryssa Webster, and Reegan Brown claimed first place.
The meet served as the final competitive tune-up before shifting full focus to NEC postseason racing.
CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT & WHAT TO WATCH:
The NEC Championships will feature morning preliminary sessions and evening finals each day. Individual events will advance swimmers into A- and B-finals, with scoring determined by final placement. Relays carry elevated point values and often play a decisive role in team standings.
The meet will conclude Friday night with final relays and distance events, bringing a close to both the championship and Saint Francis' era competing in the NEC.
GUIDING THE FLASH: HURLEY AND ROBINSON LEAD THE WAY:
Head coach Phil Hurley enters his sixth season leading the Red Flash, bringing more than 15 years of collegiate coaching experience. Under his direction, Saint Francis has produced NEC podium finishes, strong relay performances, and steady postseason growth.
Assistant coach Carrie Robinson, in her first season with the program, adds stroke development expertise and competitive insight as the Red Flash prepare for championship racing.
Together, the coaching staff looks to guide Saint Francis through its final NEC Championship appearance with focus, depth, and momentum.
