The Missouri State women’s swimming and diving team captured the Missouri Valley Conference Championship crown Saturday, in Carbondale, Ill. The Bears finished with 942 points defeating last year’s champion, Southern Illinois.

The Salukis finished second with 774.5 points, followed by Illinois State with 715.5 points, Northern Iowa with 346 points and Evansville with 335 points.

The Bears started the meet claiming the top five spots in the 1650 freestyle. Matana Wellman paced her way to a victory in a time of 17:26.17. Following Wellman were Katharina Voelkel (2nd, 17:28.97), Hilary Morrow (3rd, 17:36.11), Nina Bailey (4th, 17:40.92) and Jessica Bennett (5th, 17:46.46).

Jordan Hawkins claimed second in the 100 freestyle posting a time of 51.59, while Francy Palma placed second in the 200 backstroke with a time of 2:05.19.

The Bears recorded a one-two finish in the 200 butterfly, with Breanna Hollar claiming first in 2:06.04 and Andi Rojas in second with a time of 2:06.33.

Sophomore Chelsea Ray claimed first on the three-meter board with a total score of 264.80. Amy Crowder took third with a score of 237.25.

Missouri State ended the meet with a runner-up finish in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Wellman, Rojas, Hawkins and Chelsea Dirks-Ham teamed for a time of 3:29.31.

The MSU men’s team will compete in the Sun Belt Conference Championship Thur.-Sat., Feb. 28- March 1, in Nashville, Tenn.