Lady'Back swimming and diving travels to Nebraska

LINCOLN, NEB. − The University of Arkansas swimming and diving team continues the season Saturday, Oct. 28 as the Lady Razorbacks travel to Lincoln, Neb. to face the University of Nebraska at 10 a.m. “Nebraska is a very well-coached team,” said swimming and diving head coach Jeff Poppell. “I’m excited about the opportunity to compete against a Big 12 opponent. Nebraska will give us a chance to see what some of the other conferences have to offer.” Arkansas opened the season Oct. 13, with a loss against South Carolina despite setting seven personal records, winning five races and qualifying two divers for the NCAA Zone Diving Championship. In addition, Arkansas took either first or second in 11 out of 13 events. Senior Mariann Fulop and sophomore Summer Jackson took two wins apiece against South Carolina while senior Kristen Thibodeaux picked up her first win against a Southeastern Conference opponent. Sophomore diver Madison Palmer and junior Brieanne Kushner both qualified for the NCAA Zone Diving meet. Palmer scored personal bests on the one meter (283.80) and on the three meter (300.38) while Kushner tallied a personal best 311.78 on the three meter. “For the athletes to be able to achieve personal-best times the first meet of the season was tremendous”, said Poppell. “Many of the athletes were well ahead of the season-best times from a year ago and I think it gave them a very large amount of confidence which I hope we’ll carry into the meet this weekend.” Nebraska comes off of consecutive losses to two of the nation’s top teams, No. 11 Texas and No. 9 Texas A&M. The Cornhuskers are 1-2 on the season and are paced by seniors Kate Wheeler and Lauren Bailey. Nebraska leads the all-time series 6-4 and won the last meeting in 2005, 178-121. For more information about Arkansas swimming and diving, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.