Relays Pace Lady'Backs on First Day of Invitational

BLOOMINGTON, Ind.-On the first day of the Indiana Invitational, the relay teams led the University of Arkansas swimming and diving team in Bloomington, Ind., Friday, Nov. 18.

The Lady Razorbacks best finish of the competition was in the 400-medley relay. Junior Mariann Fulop, freshman Jesika Heidloff, junior Kristen Thibodeaux and freshman Summer Jackson combined for fifth place.

Arkansas swimming head coach Anne Goodman James said she was extremely pleased with the relay teams on the first day of competition.

“Our relays raced well,” Goodman James said. “We had outstanding relay legs from Mariann (Fulop) and Summer (Jackson).”

The 200-free relay team of Jackson, Fulop, Thibodeaux along with sophomore Tifanie Silver recorded a sixth-place finish.

In the individual events, Jackson produced for the Lady’Backs as she finished sixth in the finals of the 50 freestyle. Sophomore Brieanne Kushner qualified for the finals of the one-meter springboard with her ninth-place performance.

Goodman James said she was proud of the Lady’Backs as they improved their season marks, which included a pair of freshmen.

“We consistently swam season best times throughout the meet and even had a couple of lifetime bests by Dashya (Kimmel) and Jesika (Heidloff) in the 50 free.”

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