FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The LSU swimming and diving team posted its most impressive win of the young season as they defeated Auburn’s Top-10 team, along with Alabama and Arkansas at the SEC West Quad meet Friday at Fayetteville, Ark.
LSU won the event by a score of 432-429 over Auburn. Alabama and host Arkansas joined LSU and Auburn at the 2001 meet. LSU’s Mandy Leach won the women’s 150-yard freestyle with a time of 1:20.37. She was also on the 200-yard freestyle relay team that finished second behind Auburn. The Tigers also finished second in the women’s 400-yard medley relay with a time of 3:53.49.
“We really had a good meet today”, said LSU head coach Jeff Cavana. “We are swimming really well early in the season, and I am impressed with how far we are this early in the season.”
LSU’s Jessica Wantz finished second in the women’s 3-meter diving competition, with a score of 272.85. Alabama’s Lane Bassham won the event with a score of 293.85. Michelle Coryell finished third for LSU, and Barb Gorst and Holly Winters placed fifth and eight respectively. Junior Kyle VanArdsall won the men’s 1-meter diving competition with a score of 275.00.
The Quad Meet will continue on Saturday with the 3,000-yard freestyle. The course will consist of two 25-yard courses with two swimmers in each lane. The meet will conclude on Sunday with 15 events including the women’s 1-meter diving, and men’s 3-meter diving competition. All three meets are score separately for men and women. The meet holds extra significance for LSU, as they will compete in the SEC Championships at Fayetteville February 20-23.
Following the SEC Quad meet the Tigers will head to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama on Nov. 2.