North Carolina’s swimmers and divers came out of Friday evening with a clean sweep of Duke at Koury Natatorium, and the margins told the story. The UNC men rolled to a 220.5-79.5 win, while the women handled the Blue Devils 179.5-120.5.
The Tar Heels’ depth showed up everywhere, but the headliners on the men’s side were Ben Delmar, Sean Setzer and PJ Foy. Delmar and Setzer each picked up four event wins, while Foy finished with three victories of his own.
Delmar took the 100 breast, 200 breast and 200 IM, and he also helped UNC win the 400 medley relay. Setzer swept the 50 free and 100 free and added legs on the winning 400 medley and 400 free relays.
Foy won the 100 fly and joined both relay wins as well.
UNC’s women had their own double-dip standout performances from Samantha Armand and Lily Sawyer. Armand won four events, taking the 100 breast, 200 breast and 200 IM while swimming on the 400 medley relay.
Sawyer claimed three victories, winning the 200 free and 100 fly and helping the 400 medley and 400 free relays. Her 52.31 in the 100 fly was a personal best and moved her to No. 6 all-time at UNC in the event.
The diving crew added major points to the team totals. Sofia Knight won both the 1-meter and 3-meter competitions, and her 312.90 in the 1-meter set a personal best that moved her to No. 7 all-time at UNC in the event. Rodolfo Vázquez also turned in a strong day, winning the 1-meter and finishing second on the 3-meter.
Across the score sheet, North Carolina kept stacking wins. The women’s relay teams were strong right out of the gate, with UNC A taking the 400 medley relay in 3:32.01.
On the men’s side, UNC A won the 400 medley relay in 3:06.96, then UNC closed the meet by taking the men’s 400 free relay in 2:53.27. The women also grabbed the 200 free through Sawyer, got wins from Lexie Ward and Tiffany Murillo in distance events, and added victories from Mary Macaulay in the 200 fly and Kenzie Sellars in the 100 free.
On the men’s side, Josh Parent won the 1000 free, Colin Whelehan took the 200 fly, Granger Bartee won the 100 back, and Julian Swiderski added victories in the 100 free and 200 free.
North Carolina’s next stops are already set. The women’s divers will host Tulane on Friday, Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. in Koury Natatorium, and the swimmers and divers will return to action at Virginia Tech on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 3 p.m.
In Other News...
Duke Just Gave UNC A Huge Rivalry Week Problem
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If Sheppard cannot go, Duke would likely turn to CJ Campbell Jr., a less proven option with far less production and experience. For UNC, the difference between facing Duke with its lead back available or with a backup thrust into a bigger role could shape how the Tar Heels prepare for one of the seasons most closely watched games. [Read more 🡒]
Tar Heels Just Sent A Message Before Duke Showdown
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The victory stretched UNCs winning streak to five games and snapped Pittsburghs six-match unbeaten run, a nice reminder that the Tar Heels are carrying real momentum into the biggest matchups ahead. With Duke next on the horizon, the timing of this performance matters almost as much as the result itself, since wins like this tend to travel well when the pressure rises. [Read more 🡒]
UNC Gets Another Shot To End Duke Rivalry Frustration
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The bigger backdrop is simple: the Victory Bell has been out of reach in recent meetings, with Duke finding ways to win close games and leave Carolina looking for answers. Saturday offers the Tar Heels a chance to flip that script, and the broader schedule picture is already taking shape with UNCs 2026 football slate also in view. [Read more 🡒]