Razorbacks Finish Top Ten at the National Invitational Championships
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — While three Razorbacks continue to prepare for the NCAA Championships, 12 young H2Ogs traveled to Ocala, Fla. for the National Invitational Championships.
Swimmers for the Razorbacks included freshmen Alice Beltrame, Ellen Garritson, Kate Bradley, Lucy Trailov, Mari Griffin, Nan Sheppard, Sloan Zallen, Sophia Lickman, and Viola Petrini. Sophomore Ashley Morton and juniors’ Gracie Colvin and Tammy Greenwood rounded out the competitors.
The NIC can be most similarly compared to college basketball’s National Invitational Tournament (NIT). This year’s contest featured 52 schools scattered across the country. Arkansas had a very strong showing, placed 10th with 281.5 points.
The Hogs excellent outing featured six individual event finals appearances. Mari Griffin got the ball rolling on Thursday, as she placed 16th in the 200 individual medley and a time of (2:02.64). Later that day, Viola Petrini hauled in a 14th place finish in the 50 freestyle with a time of (23.22).
On Friday, Kate Bradley landed a 17th place finish with a time of (1:50.19) in the 200 freestyle. Saturday saw Ellen Garritson finish 9th in the 100 individual medley with a (56.35). The 200 backstroke featured two Hogs. Sophia Lickman placed 20thwith a (2:02.23) and Tammy Greenwood came in 12th by a time of (1:56.37).
Along with several strong individual showings, the team relays were remarkable for the Hogs, as the group scored in all five over the three-day competition. Placements in the previously mentioned relays include 9th in the 200 freestyle relay (1:32.74), 21st in the 400 medley relay (3:45.96), 23rd in the 200 medley relay (1:42.77), tied for 7th in the 800 freestyle relay (7:21.18), and 17th in the 400 freestyle relay (3:23.68).
“This was a great opportunity for our younger swimmers to extend their seasons, gain valuable experience and compete in a post-season national caliber competition,” head coach Neil Harper said. “With this experience we look to continue this in the spring and summer competitions that will prepare us for next season.”
Final action of the 2025-26 season begins in Atlanta on Thursday, March 19, for NCAA Championships.
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