LEXINGTON, Ky. – It was an eventful weekend at the Lancaster Aquatic Center, getting the year 2026 underway in winning, competitive fashion. In the second dual meet of the weekend for the Wildcats on Saturday, the men’s team was once again victorious, beating the Missouri Tigers 168.50-131.50. The women’s team battled until the end, but the Tigers landed on top 180-120.
The men’s side saw two relay event wins to start and end the day for the Wildcats. Individual event winners included distance specialist Carson Hick (8:52.05) in the 1000 free, Adomas Gatulis (52.89) in the 100 breast, Falemana Tuufui (19.50, 43.11) in the 50 and 100 free, Devin Naoroz (1:43.39) in the 100 back, Dzuigas Miskinis (4:25.54) in the 500 free for the first time this season, and senior Levi Sandidge (3:42.55) with a monster performance in the 400 IM.
On the women’s side, Katy Jost (9:56.07) and Paige Housman (9:57.58) went one, two in the 1000 free, Fernanda De Goeij (1:55.34) continued her success in the 200 back winning the event, and Hayden Penny (4:12.89) was fired up to win the 400 IM. Jost (4:49.63) also picked up an event win in the 500 free, sweeping the women’s distance events.
On the diving boards, sophomore Avery Giese showed out once again. Giese won the 1M dive event with a score of 278.48. She finished runner-up in the 1M dive event with 321.60.
With a successful weekend under their belt, the Wildcats now look toward Jan. 16 where swim will take on Vanderbilt and Texas A&M in Nashville, Tenn.
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