DALLAS — Nine members of the LSU Swimming and Diving team combined for 319 points to win the SMU Classic. The 200-medley relay team of Caley Oquist, Colleen O’Neil, Kara Kopcso and Amber Carter got off to another fast start with a time of 1:39.17. The 200-medley time was a meet record.
“The women were able to get off to another fast start,” LSU Swimming head coach Dave Geyer said. “Getting the win in the first event really set the tone for the day.”
Kopcso touched the wall first in the consolation final of the 500 free with a time of 4:51.86. In the 200-breast consolation final, Sophie Weber finished third with a time of 2:17.91.
Oquist, the LSU record-holder in the 200 back, touched the wall second in the event with a time of 1:56.23. Danielle Stirrat, who owns the second-fastest 200 back time in program history, took first in the consolation final with a time of 1:56.36.
Senior Alex Bettridge provided the Lady Tigers with a solid second-place finish on three-meter. The senior finished with a six-dive score total of 334.50.
“We knew our depth in this format would certainly be favorable to win the meet, and it was fun to see our women fight for the team title,” Geyer added. “Swimming fast in October is great, but this team recognizes there is a lot of work left in the season.”
After the diving break, Carter finished second in the 100-free championship final (49.60). Leah Troskot provided a nice win in the consolation final with a time of 50.34.
Kopcso came in to the meet with the fastest 200-fly time in the country. The sophomore finished third in the championship final with a time of 1:57.46. Cox finished third in the consolation final with a time of 2:02.63.
Weber wrapped up the individual events with a second-place finish in the 200 IM (2:00.83). O’Neil also finished third in the consolation final with a time of 2:02.33.
The team of Carter, Troskot, Stirrat and Oquist wrapped the Classic up with a third-place finish in the 200-freestyle relay. The time of 1:31.56 was under the meet record.
The LSU Swimming and Diving squad take the next weekend off from competition before going to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to take on Auburn and Alabama.
For more information and updates on LSU Swimming and Diving please visit LSUsports.net, ‘like’ us on Facebook at LSU Swimming and Diving or follow us on Twitter @LSUswimdive.
Women's Swimming Wins SMU Classic