Razorbacks to host Vanderbilt

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas swimming and diving team will be back in action Friday at 4 p.m. when it hosts Vanderbilt at Arkansas Natatorium.The Razorbacks (3-1, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) used an off week in the schedule to focus on training and prepare for their third SEC opponent in the Commodores (1-2, 0-1). The Hogs are 2-0 all-time against Vanderbilt. "This meet gives us the opportunity to give some of our younger, less experienced athletes a chance to compete," Arkansas coach Jeff Poppell said. "We will also move our lineup around a bit and swim some kids in different events and give them opportunities they have not had this season."We are in a good situation right now. We have a lot of girls who are ranked in the top 25 nationally in their event, and I still think we can get a lot better. Any improvement comes out of our training." Arkansas racked up five event wins on the way to a 252-47 victory in its last meeting with the Commodores, a double-dual meet Oct. 17, 2008, at Tennessee’s Allan Jones Aquatic Center. Returning All-Americans Leah Pierce and Jamie Marks each won events, while sophomores Kate Whitbeck and Alison Templin swam strong times in their collegiate debuts. The Arkansas Natatorium is located on the corner of Stadium Drive and Meadow Street within the Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Building. Lot 67 off of Meadow Street between Razorback Road and Stadium Drive is available to fans free of charge on weekends. Admission is free.A live stream of the contest as well as live stats will beavaliable on ArkansasRazorbacks.com.