BATON ROUGE — The LSU women’s swimming and diving team fought hard but couldn’t withstand a late charge as the Rice Owls held off the Lady Tigers, 162-126, Friday afternoon at the LSU Natatorium.
Lindsay Staak highlighted the meet for the Lady Tigers as the junior won two events on the day. Staak won the 100-yard backstroke (57.79) and later placed first in the 200 back (2:05.57).
“Lindsay swam really well today in the backstroke,” said LSU assistant coach Amanda Norton. “That is one of the best times we have had in awhile in the event.”
Stephanie Smith, in her second to last home meet, won the 1000-yard freestyle (10:03.17), while Lauren Harvey won the 100-yard breaststroke (1:05.67).
“This meet is really a transition phase for us,” said Norton. “Lauren’s swim was also one of the best we have had in that event in awhile.”
Rice rallied to win six out of the last nine events, despite not bringing any divers on the trip. The Owls captured the 100-yard freestyle, 200-yard breaststroke, 500-yard freestyle, 100-yard butterfly, 200-yard IM and the 200-yard freestyle relay down the stretch.
Hali Saucier won both diving events on the day, capturing the 1-meter (275.25) and the 3-meter (271.35). Friday’s meet marked the first action for Jessica Wantz since October 24 at Alabama. The junior had been suffering from a neck injury she sustained earlier in the season. Wantz placed second in both diving events.
“Jessica has got the full clear to start training and resume all the aspects of her training,” said LSU diving coach Doug Shaffer. “Now we can start moving forward with that. Today was just for her to get her feet wet with no expectations.”
LSU closes out their home schedule tomorrow at noon against Florida State.