No.22 Hogs surge past No.14 SMU

DENTON, Texas – The University of Arkansas swimming and diving squad, ranked No.22 in the country, swept the competition at theMean GreenDualsin Denton, Texas on Saturday, including a 152-148 upset of the No.14-ranked SMU Mustangs, the Razorbacks second win in nine meetings between the two teams.

“I’m extremely proud of the way the girls competed today,” head Arkansas coach Jeff Poppell said. “They did a fantastic job of standing up and competing against four quality teams, and we’re truly excited about beating a highly-ranked team in SMU.”

Although the Mustangs won nine events to the Razorbacks’ seven, the Arkansas swimmers were able to capture more points by taking the top three times in the 500 and 1000 free events, both won by senior Stephanie Carr in times of 4:54.59 and 10:04.27, respectively, and Katie Kastes added two wins on the day in the 200 fly (2:03.12) and the 200 IM. Her time of 2:04.15 in the 200 IM is a team high this season.

Leah Pierce also chimed in with wins in the 100 (1:04.28) and 200 (2:17.91) breast, and sophomore Jamie Marks, a constant solid performer, took second in both the 200 fly and 1000 free and touched in third in the 200 IM.

The freshmen continue to shine for Arkansas, picking up seven-of-eight third place finishes for the squad. Katie Whitbeck proved herself for the third straight meet, taking second in the 200 free, third in the 100 free and once again anchoring a strong 200 medley relay team to begin the meet. Alison Templin and Jillienne Schilling are also making their mark on Razorback swimming and diving early on, each picking up a pair of third place times to tilt the score in Arkansas’ favor.

“A lot of credit needs to go to our freshmen who have really matured under fire since the beginning of the season,” Poppell said. “They are beginning to make major contributions to our program and the success we are having.”

In diving, Madison Palmer won the one-meter springboard competition with a score of 296.80, another season high for the squad, and finished fourth in the three-meter event with a score of 244.20.

Arkansas’ duals with the other schools at the meet, North Texas, New Mexico State, and Colorado State went heavily in favor of the Razorbacks. The Razorbacks undefeated against North Texas, sinking the Mean Green 237-63 in the sixth meeting between the two programs; Colorado State and New Mexico State were no match for Arkansas, losing 210.5-89.5 and 216-84, respectively.

Next, the Razorbacks (6-1, 2-1) head north to Minneapolis, Minn. for the Minnesota U.S. Grand Prix Nov.14-16. For updated results and complete Razorbacks swimming and diving coverage, visit www.ArkansasRazorbacks.com.