Kentucky Hosts Marshall After Tri-Meet with Texas and Ohio State Cancelled

Kentucky Wildcats Def. Marshall Thundering Herd (Women’s Dual, Kentucky Men Intrasquad)

• Kentucky (Women) vs Marshall
• Lancaster Aquatic Center, Lexington, KY
• SCY (25 yards)
• Full Meet Results (PDF)

The University of Kentucky women hosted Marshall University on Wednesday, January 12th in place of attending the tri-meet against The Ohio State University and the University of Texas. The tri-meet was originally scheduled for this weekend at Ohio State. It was canceled as “the decision was made based on student-athlete welfare in a time of escalating COVID-19 cases nationally.” The Kentucky men competed in some exhibition events as Marshall does not have a men’s team. Marshall also recently had a dual meet canceled as their January 8th meet at home against James Madison University was canceled.

The Wildcat women cruised to a 159-92 victory over Marshall University at home. Kentucky exhibitioned all races after the 200 breaststroke. This was Kentucky’s first meet since the end of November when they competed at the Ohio State Invitational for midseason.

Kentucky swept ten out of the 15 events. Senior Riley Gaines led the way as she captured individual victories in the 50 (22.92), 100 (49.66), and 200 (1:46.68) freestyles. She also was a member of the 200 medley relay that earned a first place finish as well (1:41.47). Junior Gillian Davey also helped lead the way as she won the 100 (1:02.82) and 200 (2:13.51) breaststrokes. 

Marshall captured individual victories from sophomores Madeline Hart in the 500 freestyle (5:13.77), Klava Katayama in the 100 butterfly (57.13), and Eszter Laban in the 400 IM (4:30.54). The team also won the 200 freestyle relay in a time of 1:37.33. 

Other event victories include:

• 1000 freestyle: Beth McNeese (10:03.21)
• 100 backstroke: Caitlin Brooks (53.04)
• 200 butterfly: Izzy Gati (2:00.04)
• 200 backstroke: Sophie Sorenson (1:55.97)

While they didn’t have an opponent, the Kentucky men made sure to get in some races as well. Freshman Nick Caruso won both the 500 (4:32.59) and 1000 (9:17.99) freestyles. Senior Mason Wilby won both the 200 freestyle (1:36.82) and 200 backstroke (1:44.63). Sophomore Max Berg also won two events as he won the 50 (20.23) and 100 (44.80) freestyles. 

Other event winners:

• 100 backstroke: Michael Belair (50.44)
• 100 breaststroke: Kyle Barker (55.21)
• 200 butterfly: Jackson Mussler (1:50.12)
• 200 breaststroke: Henry Miller (2:02.04)

Kentucky’s next scheduled meet is at home on Saturday, January 22nd against their rival, Louisville. Marshall has their next scheduled meet on Saturday, January 15th at Duquesne.