Jayhawks Face Tough Loss in Saturday Showdown Against Houston

HOUSTON – Kansas swimming and diving concluded its dual event against Houston on Saturday, with a loss to the Cougars 84.5-215.5.

“Today we certainly recognized our current position,” stated Kansas head coach Clark Campbell. “Competing against such a formidable Houston squad provides us valuable insights on how we need to advance over the coming weeks as we gear up for Big 12s.”

 

The Jayhawks were spearheaded by sophomore star diver Shiyun Lai, who achieved victories in both diving categories against Houston. 

 

Senior leader Eleni Kotzamanis secured a tie for second in the 200 free with a time of 1:54.41. The 100 back event saw Lezli Sisung finishing in third place, clocking in at 56.78. 

 

Ryan Johnston followed on the podium for Kansas in the 100 breast, taking third place with a time of 1:04.39. Caroline Blake then finished second in the 50 free (23.95), with Mia Waldron closely trailing in third with a time of 24.19. 

 

Blake made her way back into the scoring, finishing third in the 100 free with a time of 52.89. Aidan Howze came in second for the 200 breast, posting a time of 2:18.95, while Hailey Farrell placed third in the 500 free with a time of 5:07.67. Lydia Lafferty also achieved a second-place finish in the 100 fly with a time of 55.67. 

 

Howze and Farrell returned to the podium in the 200 IM, with Howze finishing in second at 2:07.60 and Farrell taking third at 2:09.06. 

 

The relay quartet of Blake, Kotzamanis, Izzy Satterlee, and Izzy Porter concluded the event with a second-place finish in the 400 free relay, clocking in at 3:31.91. 

 

ON THE DIVING BOARDS 

Lai achieved a complete sweep of the 1M and 3M diving events against Houston. She recorded a score of 296.93 in the 1M, followed by 331.65 in the 3M, leading the Kansas team on the boards. Junior Lize van Leeuwen placed fourth in the 1M event with a score of 259.20. 

 

WHAT’S NEXT 

The Jayhawks will be returning home on Friday, Jan. 17, for their Crimson vs. Blue competition. The event at Robinson Natatorium is scheduled for 4 p.m. CT.