Razorbacks open season on the road

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Arkansas women’s swimming and diving team officially will open the 2009-10 season Saturday when the squad visits Lexington, Ky., for a dual meet with the University of Kentucky and the University of the Cumberlands. The meet is scheduled for 2 p.m. Central time at Kentucky’s Lancaster Aquatic Center.

“This weekend is going to be a tough matchup, without a doubt,” Arkansas coach Jeff Poppell said. “Add the fact that we are starting the season away, and in their pool, that makes it that much more of a challenge. We have been training hard and the girls have been doing some fantastic things leading up to this point, but this is our first meet of the season. We will know a lot more when they have a chance to compete.

“We are excited about it. You train and train and train from the start of school back in August, looking forward to this opportunity to compete. We get that opportunity on Saturday and are ready for it.”

Arkansas racked up seven first-place finishes on the way to a 159-134 victory in its last meeting with the Wildcats, a double dual meet Jan. 10 at Arkansas Natatorium. Senior Yi Ting Siow won three events in her debut with the Razorbacks, taking first place in the 100-yard breaststroke, 200y breaststroke and 200y individual medley.

Saturday’s meet will be the first meeting between Arkansas and the University of the Cumberlands.

The Hogs last visited Lexington on Jan. 22, 2005, when they fell to the Wildcats 84-54.

Anchored by returning All-Americans Siow (200y breaststroke), Leah Pierce (200y breaststroke) and Jamie Marks (1,650y free), and aided by 10 newcomers, the Razorbacks hope to continue the success that led last year’s squad to a school-record 10 wins.

For complete results and a recap of Arkansas’ season opener, log onto ArkansasRazorbacks.com.