Thibodeaux and Gregory lead Arkansas to victory

FAYETTEVILLE – Kristen Thibodeaux and Emily Gregory took two wins each as the University of Arkansas swimming and diving team defeated Denver and Missouri State in a double-dual meet at home Saturday. The Lady Razorbacks overcame Denver by a score of 168-130 and defeated Missouri State, 185-115. Gregory swept the butterfly events while Thibodeaux was victorious in the 200 and 500 freestyle races. Arkansas dominated the boards, going 1-2-3 on the one meter and 1-2 on the three meter. Sophomore Madison Palmer scored a personal best 295.10 on the one meter, followed by Brieanne Kushner and Kellyn Williams. On the three meter, Kushner took top honors with a 304.29, trailed by Palmer with a 288.83. “Thibodeaux and Gregory had fantastic swims,” said head coach Jeff Poppell. “The divers did great today as well and are improving going into SECs.” Arkansas started the meet with a first-place finish in the 400 medley relay. The team of Mariann Fulop, Katie McGraw, Gregory and Thibodeaux touched in with a time of 3:54.57. In the second event, the 1,650 freestyle, Elizabeth Engs took second and Macey Webb finished fourth both turning in career-best times of 17:33.17 and 17:38.79, respectively. Thibodeaux touched first in the next event, the 200 free. “The first three events of the meet we wanted to set the tone,” said Poppell. “We did that and had some great performances.” Sophomore Summer Jackson earned another win for the Lady’Backs in the 100 breaststroke and placed second in the 50 free and the 100 free. Fulop finished second in the 100 backstroke, 200 back, and the 400 IM. “This time of the season coming off intense training my expectations were not tied to best times, but trying to improve mistakes regarding technique and race strategy,” said Poppell. “Our goal today was to go 2-0 and our goal is to have an even record going into SECs.” The Lady Razorbacks improve to 3-4 in dual meets and look for another victory in two weeks against Drury.