Tough competition led to WSU (2-1, 0-1) winning five races, however, No. 24 Arizona’s (1-0) swimming and diving team finished with a 161-101 win over the Cougs in Gibb Pool. This was the Cougars’ third meet of the season, while it was the first competition of the year for the Wildcats.

“Very proud these athletes came in and fought,” WSU Head Coach Tom Jager said. “Bruggman was great, Emily Cook was great, the breaststrokers showed up … I believe that when this team is on the same page, we are formidable in this conference and I’m proud of them.”

The meet was kicked off with the 200-yard medley relay, in which the Cougars won by 29 milliseconds, with a time of 1:43.12 to edge out the Wildcats.

Besides the 200 medley relay, WSU took first place in the 100-yard backstroke, 200-yard butterfly, 50-yard free and 200-yard breaststroke.

In the meet, WSU had standout performances from freshman backstroke Emily Cook. She was also part of the winning 200-yard medley relay team. Cook took first in the 100-yard back with a time of 54.89 seconds, which is now sixth fastest in WSU program history. Cook also tied with fellow teammate, freshman backstroke Taylor McCoy for second place in the 200-yard backstroke.

“Emily Cook [is] lights out, she was a great swimmer. She’s such a perfectionist,” Jager said.

Senior freestyle Hannah Bruggman took first in the 50-yard freestyle, and second place in the 100-yard freestyle. She was also a member of the winning 200-yard medley relay team.

“It feels good, getting back into the swing of things. Coming off surgery I was a little worried, but it was a good start to the season so far.” Bruggman said. “Getting that first win in the 50 free … under my belt was huge.”

Jager spoke of his favorite race, highlighting the performance of junior breaststroke Clothilde Peseux and freshman breaststroke Mackenzie Duarte, who finished first and second place respectively in the 200-yard breaststroke.

“I liked the 200 breast because the 200 breaststrokers were really beat up after last meet … so for them to turn it around and to get a one-two, that helps our unit,” Jager said. “We are a strong team, we’re 20 strong and when one person goes strong, we all love it.”

WSU swimming will be back at 10 a.m. Saturday in Gibb Pool when the team hosts the first-ever Cougar Alumni Exhibition. The next Pac-12 competition for WSU is Oct. 26 against University of Southern California in Los Angeles.