Bowling Green State University Athletics
Bowling Green State University
Akron
Falcons Fall to Akron, Becdach Sets School Record
October 09, 2026 | Women's Swimming & Diving
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – The Bowling Green swim and dive team fell to defending Mid-American Conference champion Akron, 200.5-179.5, in their first home meet of the season Friday at Cooper Pool.
The Falcons won nine of 20 events and led the way in the sprint freestyle and on the boards.
"It was awesome having our team race at home and welcome the defending conference champions to our pool," said head coach Tanner Barton. "While we didn't secure the team victory, how we did is an incredible testament to how our program has grown and where we're going to continue to improve."
Junior Samia Becdach won all three of her events. She set a program record in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 23.00 and won the 100 free in 50.44, which moved her to sixth on BGSU's all-time list. She also took the 150 free in 1:20.52.
"The key to her performing and competing so well is the fact that she believes in herself," Barton said. "She's fueled by her teammates, and she's having fun."
Senior Natalia Mayorga won both diving events, scoring 309.83 on the three-meter board and 282.45 on the one-meter board. It was her first score above 300 this season. During a break in the meet, Mayorga received her championship ring in a ceremony on the pool deck. Her mother, who lives in Mexico, watched over FaceTime.
"To chat briefly with her mom on the phone and for her mom to see Derek award Natalia the ring on her pool deck, it was really touching," Barton said.
Junior Karina Solera won the 100 fly (55.05), edging Akron's Leah Nebraska by .01 of a second, and the 150 fly (1:29.50). That 100 fly time was faster than the one she swam at last year's MAC Championships. Senior Bridget Kurtzweil won the 100 individual medley in 58.94.
The Falcons' freshman class turned in several top-three finishes in its home debut. Kaitlin Flewelling won the 25 free (11.10) and also competed in diving, a double Barton called "extremely uncommon" at the Division I level. Emma Klotz placed second in the 50 fly and third in both the 100 and 150 fly. Anna Helmuth finished second in the 200 IM and third in the 100 IM and 300 IM, and Elise Dinehart was second in the 1000 free (10:31.81).
The meet used a nonstandard event order that included 150-yard races, a 300 IM and a 25 free. Barton said Akron's head coach proposed the lineup. NCAA rules allow an alternate order if both head coaches agree to it seven days before the meet.
"I really liked the format," Barton said. "We're home. I just want our ladies to race."
Barton said the team has no meets scheduled for the next stretch of the schedule by design, which gives the Falcons a block of training. "I think those times will help to fuel us," he said.
BGSU will return to competition on November 6, when they travel to the Lone Star State for a two-day dual against UTRGV.
