Macias and Gillis Shine in Season Opener
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In the first meet of the Neil Harper era, the Arkansas swimming and diving team defeated the Drury Panthers, 128-77, on Friday at the Arkansas Natatorium to begin the 2016-17 season.
The win marked Arkansas’ 12th consecutive victory against the Panthers and extended the Razorbacks’ non-conference dual meet win streak to 23, dating back to the 2011-12 season.
In her collegiate debut, Ayumi Macias claimed first-place victories in the 500-yard and 1000-yard freestyle with times of 4:56.94 and 10:07.49 in the two events, respectively. Senior Aiden Lister placed second in both events as well with times of 4:57.80 and 10:10.57.
“Ayumi has a great training partner in Aiden,” head coach Neil Harper said. “They push each other all week. Ayumi is going to have a great career here. This year could be good for both of them. They are good for each other, and I am glad they are here.”
Junior Chelsea Tatlow turned in first-place finishes in both the 200-yard freestyle (1:51.23) and the 100-yard backstroke (55.63).
Junior diver Nicole Gillis was just as impressive. Gillis broke both the school and pool record on the 1-meter springboard with a score of 334.28, qualifying for the NCAA Zone Diving Championships. Sophomore Marissa Green also qualified for the championships on the 1-meter springboard with a score of 270.75.
“Nicole, at this point in the year, has dove better than any diver I have ever coached on 1-meter,” diving coach Dale Schultz said. “I am really, really looking forward to working with her this year on springboard.”
Up Next
Arkansas returns to action on Nov. 3 when the Razorbacks host the Florida Gators at 6 p.m. at the Arkansas Natatorium. The meet will be the first of two that week, as South Carolina comes to Fayetteville on Nov. 4 at 3 p.m.
For more information on Arkansas Swimming and Diving, follow @RazorbackSD on Twitter.
