Though the meeting had to be condensed to one day, it didn’t deter Tennessee swim and dive from succeeding against Duke. Both Vols and Lady Vols showcased their strength and versatility, with many Vols achieving lifetime bests and new NCAA cuts.
The meet kicked off with a stellar performance from both the Vol and Lady Vols, with both relays placing first against Duke in the 200-medley relay. While both the B and C relays followed close behind.
Lady Vol freshman Avery Luedke finished first with a blazing 16:36.44, beating her competitors by almost a minute. Mac Clark came out on top during his duel with Duke, while also managing a season best of 15:13.83. Both freshmen boasted a strong and consistent distance record for the Vols.
Camile Spink did not hold back in the 50-yard freestyle, the sophomore managing a 21.52. Spink further cemented her dominance of the sprint field with a near-lifetime best in the event.
The Lady Vols also made waves in the 200-yard freestyle, finishing first through seventh. Superstar record-holder Emily Brown led the charge with a 1:45.18. Vol swimmers followed this up by managing a 1-3 sweep in the event, Koby Bujak-Upton boasting a first-place finish by over three seconds.
“Camille Spink, Emily Brown, and Ella Jansen have really hit another level this year, and they’ve maintained it,” head coach Matt Kredich said. “And they’re actually still elevating.”
Clark, right off his mile performance, finished the 500-yard freestyle in a blazing 4:25.00. A season best for the Vol. Lady Vols also showed off their endurance during the same event, Nicole Zettel finishing in 4:47.88 to clinch first.
“I think one of the things that’s really impressed me this year is the development of our freshman class, both men and women,” Kendrich said. “The change in the team was enormous, and they spent a while trying to absorb the culture.”
Newcomer Mizuki Hirai, right off the heels of her medley relay performance, took first place in the 100-yard butterfly. Hirai was first at the touch with a 24.11, then managed to finish first with a stellar 52.00. Amelia Mason came in close behind with a 54.25. Seniors Gui Caribe and Nick Simmons had blazing finishes in the butterfly. The 19-time All-American, Caribe, finished first with a 46.46, Simmons coming in close behind with a lifetime best of 46.87.
The Vols also showcased their versatility within the 400-yard IM. Ella Jansen led the charge, touching first during the first leg, Brown following close behind. While the two stayed close together during the backstroke and breaststroke, Jansen pulled away to snag a first-place finish. Both swimmers boasted season bests and new NCAA cuts in the event. Tony Laurito also modeled his dexterity during the same event, touching first and then lengthening his lead during the breaststroke. Clark and Grayson Nye trailed behind to extend the Vols’ lead.
The Vol divers’ efforts can not be forgotten, with standout sophomore Bennett Greene coming out with a 381.45. Along with Nick Stone and Owen Redfearn, both earned second and third place scores, respectively.
Lady Vol Emma Rhines scored 293.50 to place first in the 1-meter springboard, a lifetime best for the Texas native. Rhines poduimed in the 3-meter as well, along with fellow diver Lynae Shorter. Shorter capped off her meet with a second-place finish in the 3-meter.
Diving Coach Jane Figueiredo offered a new outlook on the diving program. Figueiredo is translating her experience as a former Olympic coach to the college scene.
“I try to bring a strong work ethic, I try to bring a lot of love,” Figueiredo said. “I try to bring a great structure in working on things that are gonna get them better. And you know, it’s not always about results.”
Overall, both Vol and Lady Vols had an excellent showing during their final regular-season meet. Tennessee’s next meet is the SEC Championships, which will take place Feb. 16-21, in Knoxville.
