Kentucky Swimming Drops Season Opener on the Road

Both the Kentucky men's and women's swim teams traveled to Auburn, Alabama to kickoff the season against SEC foe Auburn on Wednesday. The winning team, for both sides, was Auburn. The Auburn men's team defeated the Wildcats mens team 173-127, while the Tiger women defeated the Kentucky women 178.5-121.5. Auburn won the meet with a total score of 351.5, topping Kentucky’s combined score of 248.5.

For the men, senior Kyle Higgins had a productive day in the pool. Higgins posted a 1:45.37 in the 200 fly and 48.29 in the 100 fly. Higgins posted college season career-bests, showing high upside for the season.

Also producing for the men's team were distance swimmers Andrew Aviotti, Isaac Jones, and Jarod Kehl as they all took the top-three spots in both the 500 and 1000 freestyle.

The women also had success in the pool, taking first and second in the 100 yard backstroke. Danielle Galyer and Bridgette Alexander took the top two spots, in order.

The main highlight for the women, however, were the freshman, as Ali Galyer and Asia Seidt both had strong debuts. Galyer out-touched teammates Danielle and Alexander to claim first in the 200 back. Seidt ultimately stole the show, though, finishing second or better in two of her three events. The freshman won the 200 individual medley, posting a time of 2:01.59 that was good enough for NCAA consideration. Her other top-2 finish came with veterans Danielle Galyer, Kendra Crew, and Geena Freriks as they took second place in the 400 medley relay.

Senior Kendra Crew tied Auburn’s Natasha Lloyd for first place in the 200 breaststroke at 2:15.23. Crew also competed in the 100 breast, in which she took second place with a time of 1:02.68.

Kentucky will next travel to South Carolina for a meet on Thursday. The meet is scheduled to start at 12:00 p.m.