RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) swimming & diving team opened its 2026-27 season with a strong showing in the third annual Orange & Gray Pentathlon, Friday at the City of Pharr-PSJA Natatorium.
Sophomore
Sasapin Sarawas paced the Vaqueros, winning the pentathlon with a combined time of
5:25.20 after competing in the 100-meter freestyle (56.63), 100 backstroke (1:00.75), 100 breaststroke (1:18.25), 100 butterfly (1:05.72) and 100 individual medley (1:03.85) to finish atop the individual standings.
Junior
Annaleagh Stahl followed closely behind, finishing second with a combined time of
5:28.06. Stahl posted times of 58.40 in the 100 free, 1:08.88 in the 100 back, 1:16.84 in the 100 breast, 1:06.44 in the 100 fly and 1:05.50 in the 100 IM.
Freshman
Eirini Natsiou rounded out the top three with a time of 5:28.08, giving the Vaqueros two swimmers within two seconds of the pentathlon champion.
The pentathlon provides an early test of UTRGV's depth and versatility, with each swimmer competing across all five 100-meter events. The competition included the freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and individual medley, putting every stroke to the test in the opening competition of the season.
UTRGV also saw several strong individual performances throughout the competition.
Sophomore
Dia Henderson opened the meet with a victory in the 100 freestyle, touching the wall in 53.62.
Sarawas added another highlight to her pentathlon performance by taking first in the 100 backstroke, while Natsiou claimed the top spot in the 100 butterfly.
Stahl enters her junior season as one of UTRGV's most accomplished returning swimmers. She earned All-WAC Second Team honors as a freshman and holds multiple program records, including the 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke and 200 individual medley.
The Vaqueros entered the weekend looking to establish an early rhythm while giving the team's newcomers an opportunity to compete in a collegiate meet environment.
Alongside Natsiou, freshman
Louise Deroide earned a 1:08:75 win in the 100 breast event, making an impact early.
For Sarawas, Friday's performance provided an early statement in her sophomore campaign after she competed in seven meets as a freshman and recorded several top-five finishes.
The Orange & Gray weekend continues Saturday at 10 a.m. with the traditional intrasquad meet, featuring 10 events and relay competition. The meet is part of UTRGV's early-season preparation before the Vaqueros begin the regular season Oct. 9-10 at Rice in Houston.
UTRGV Athletics has a clear-bag policy for spectators attending all athletic events hosted by UTRGV. Fans can review the complete clear-bag policy on the UTRGV Athletics website.
Friday Pentathlon Results
1.
Sasapin Sarawas, 5:25.20
2.
Annaleagh Stahl, 5:28.06
3. Eirini Natsoiu, 5:28.08
Friday Individual Event Winners
Saturday Schedule of Events (first event starts at 10 a.m.):
200 medley relay
1000 freestyle
200 freestyle
50 freestyle
200 individual medley
100 butterfly
100 freestyle
100 backstroke
500 freestyle
100 breaststroke
400 free relay
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