Lady'Backs Split in Kentucky
LEXINGTON, Ky.-The University of Arkansas swimming and diving team concluded regular season Southeastern Conference competition with a loss to Kentucky 84-54, but the Lady Razorbacks didn’t leave the Bluegrass State without a victory as they defeated Louisville, 89-51.
Head coach Anne Goodman James said she was very pleased with her team’s performance.
“Today was a very good day for us,” Goodman James said. “We faced two very solid teams and came out with a win over a strong Louisville team. This team truly stepped up their performances today, which gives us confidence as we head into the last few meets of the season.”
Senior Zsuzsa Csobanki and sophomore Mariann Fulop led the Lady’Backs as they both won two individual events.
Goodman James said the Lady’Backs gained momentum as Arkansas recorded multiple wins against the Cardinals and Wildcats.
“Against Kentucky, we were fired up by our one and two finish in the 200 fly by Mariann and Emily, and with wins by Zsuzsa in both the 100 and 50 freestyles, and Whitney in the 500 free,” Goodman James said.
Csobanki won the 50 and 100 free and her performance in the 50 free (23.53) was a NCAA ‘B’ cut, which Csobanki had already qualified for at the Aggie Invitational November 19-21.
Fulop took a pair of first-place finishes in the 200 fly and 400 IM. Fulop recorded her best time of the season in the 400 IM (4:30.05).
Senior Whitney Lynn continued her success in the distance freestyle events as she won the 500 free and finished second in the 1,000 free.
Senior Hannah Clegg and freshman Emily Gregory also contributed to Arkansas’ effort as they each finished with a pair of second-place finishes.
Goodman James said she was really pleased with Clegg’s performance in her final SEC meet.
“After struggling in the last few meets, Hannah Clegg had some breakthrough swims taking second in both backstrokes.”
Clegg scored points for the Lady’Backs in the 100 and 200 back, while Gregory took second in the 100 and 200 fly. Gregory finished second to Fulop in the 200 fly.
Arkansas returns to Fayetteville for its final home dual meet as the Lady’Backs host Kansas, Jan. 29 at 1 p.m. inside the Arkansas Natatorium.
For more information on Arkansas swimming and diving, log on to www.ladybacks.com.
