Feb. 3, 2012
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Capped by a terrific day on the diving boards by sophomore Greg Ferrucci and freshman Christa Cabot, the University of Kentucky swimming and diving teams took another step forward towards the Southeastern Conference Championships in a dual meet with Louisville on Friday afternoon at Ralph Wright Natatorium.
Louisville won the meet on the men’s side with a final tally of 188-107, and also took home the win on the women’s side 183-107.
“We were up against a very good Louisville team,” UK head coach Gary Conelly said. “Their men could be top 10 at the end of the year, and their women are top 15. Our swims were uneven and erratic, which aren’t uncommon for this time of the year.” Conelly said.
Kentucky was led by their divers, as three of the four diving competitions were Wildcat victories. Greg Ferrucci took home first in both events, claiming a 366.30 on the three meter, and earning a 353.17 on the one meter.
On the women’s side, Christa Cabot earned a 315.30 on the three meter, with Sarah Chewning finishing in fifth, posting a 270.75. Lindsay Keahey tabbed a mark of 245.18 to take seventh.
“Our divers were really on point today,” Conelly said. “Greg (Ferrucci), John (Fox), Sarah (Chewning), and Christa (Cabot) are looking like NCAA qualifiers.” Conelly said.
In the one-meter competition, Sarah Chewning took home second place, turning in a score of 288.68. Lindsay Keahey and Christa Cabot turned in scores of 260.70 and 258.38 to take home third and fourth place respectfully.
“The divers had a real good meet this weekend,” UK head diving coach Ted Hautau said. ” Christa Cabot has been injured the last two weeks, and hasn’t been able to train, so that was a heck of a performance to win the three-meter competition. Sarah Chewning was really good on the one meter”
In the three-meter competition on the men’s side, UK took home first through fifth place, with John Fox, Zack Peterson, Corey Cowger and Kyle Lang finishing directly behind Ferrucci.
“I have been pushing the men hard, but they put together two good events.” Hautau said.
Megan Eppler finished first in the 50-freestyle tapping in at 23.36, while also taking first in the 100-freestyle turning a time of 50.84.
“Megan Eppler just keeps getting better and is really perfecting her races.” Conelly said.
Tyler Reed had yet another impressive meet in his senior campaign, as Reed placed second in the 100-free tapping in at 44.79, and also recorded a fourth-place finish in the 50-free with a time of 20.85.
“Tyler Reed had some of his best ever in-season swims.” Conelly said.
The meet in Louisville served as the Wildcats final dual meet of the season, as UK’s focus now shifts towards the Southeastern Conference Championships Feb. 15-18 in Knoxville, Tenn.
“Things are looking good,” Conelly said. “We are about at the mid point in our resting phase. I’m going to be very excited to see how fast we go when we are completely rested.”
For continuing coverage of UK swimming and diving, log on to UKathletics.com.
