Arkansas edges Emory earns first victory

ATHENS, GA. – The University of Arkansas swimming and diving team earned its first win, defeating Emory University 161-138 Friday night in Athens, Ga. Arkansas split the double-dual meet, falling to Georgia 178-114. “The first win feels great and it’s nice to get that under our belts,” said head coach Jeff Poppell. “It was a fun meet. We swam against two great teams and we’re happy that we were able to get the job done.” The Lady Razorbacks started the meet turning in a season-best time in the 400 medley relay. The team of Mariann Fulop, Summer Jackson, Emily Gregory and Kristen Thibodeaux touched in a time of 3:54.06. Fulop took top honors in the 100 backstroke and the 200 individual medley with times of 57.26 and 2:08.10, respectively. Her time in the 100 back was a personal best and she beat her nearest opponent by almost five seconds in the 200 IM. Fulop earned another personal-best time of 2:03.46 in the 200 back, finishing second. Gregory wrote her name in the Arkansas record books again this week, with her time in the 100 fly. Gregory won the event in 55.70, putting her fourth on the all-time list. She touched second in the 200 fly in 2:05.16. On the boards, Arkansas finished 1-2 on the one meter. Sophomore Madison Palmer took the top spot scoring 252.70 and junior Brieanne Kushner placed second with 247.10. In the 1,000 freestyle sophomore Macey Webb posted a career-best 10:31.03, improving her time by almost five seconds. Freshman Allison Chinn continued to improve with a personal record in the 200 fly while junior Tifanie Silver touched in with a career-best time in the 200 back. In the 100- and 200- breaststroke events, junior Katie McGraw earned season-best times. The Lady’Backs finished the meet by winning the 400 free relay. The squad of Gregory, Thibodeaux, Silver and Jackson placed first in 3:32.68. The Lady’Backs return to action Dec. 1-3 at the Ohio State Invitational. For more information about Arkansas swimming and diving, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.