UK Athletics Makes Waves: Men’s Swim Dominates Purdue While Women’s Team Splits in Thrilling Tri-Meet!

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Kentucky men’s swimming & diving squad emerged victorious over Purdue, while the UK women’s team had mixed results in their tri-meet on Friday at the Morgan J. Burke Aquatic Center, located at Purdue University.

The Wildcat men secured 12 out of 16 events throughout the day, outpacing the host Boilermakers with a score of 178-122. Conversely, the women defeated Notre Dame with a score of 186.5-113.5 but were narrowly beaten by Purdue, finishing at 158-142.

Kentucky’s men commenced the competition by clinching victory in the 400-medley relay, thanks to the performances of Devin Naoroz, Adomas Gatulis, Ryan Merani, and Justin Peresse. They maintained their momentum throughout the meet, with Merani leading a group of 10 individual event champions for the UK men’s team, who now have a dual meet record of 3-3 this season following two consecutive wins.

The men’s category showcased impressive dominance with podium sweeps in both the 200 butterfly and 500 freestyle events. Merani claimed first place in the 200 fly, closely followed by teammates Aaron Gasiewicz and Jackson Mussler, while Carson Hick, Levi Sandidge, and Caue Gluck swept the top three positions in the 500 free.

Three different UK female athletes collectively achieved four event victories within the tri-meet format, spearheaded by two triumphs from fifth-year Bridget Engel (100 breast, 200 breast). Junior swimmers Grace Frericks (200 back) and Lydia Hanlon (100 Fly) also recorded first-place finishes. Junior Paige Taber secured the sole new NCAA “B” cut of the day for Kentucky, with a time of 1:56.31 in the 200 back. The UK women’s team holds a dual meet record of 4-4 this season.

The women’s squad placed two athletes on the podium in four events, including the opening 400 medley relay where they secured second and third places. Frericks and Taber finished first and second, respectively, in the 200 backstroke, while Engel and Olivia Mendenhall both recorded top times in the 200 breast. Hanlon (first) and Billie Sherratt (third) also earned medals in the 100 fly, providing essential points for the Wildcats.

On the diving side, a standout performance came from UK fifth-year Sam Duncan, who triumphed in the 1-meter event with a score of 357.45 and placed second in the 3-meter with a score of 385.28. For the women, Abby Devereaux was Kentucky’s highest finisher in the 3-meter, coming in fourth with a total of 307.20, while Avery Giese placed fifth in the 1-meter springboard with a score of 271.43.

Kentucky will continue its January dual schedule next Friday at the Lancaster Aquatic Center against SEC rival Auburn. The competition is set to commence at noon, and admission is free for the public.

Kentucky Event Champions –

• Naoroz, Gatulis, Merani, Peresse: 400 MR (3:10.64)
• Levi Sandidge: 1000 Free (8:53.49)
• Devin Naoroz: 100 Back (47.86)
• Bridget Engel: 100 Breast (1:00.89), 200 Breast (2:13.71)
• Adomas Gatulis: 100 Breast (54.49)
• Ryan Merani: 200 Fly (1:45.28), 200 IM (1:47.09)
• Max Berg: 50 Free (19.90)
• Sam Duncan: 1-Meter Diving (357.45)
• Justin Peresse: 100 Free (44.13)
• Grace Frericks: 200 Back (1:55.43)
• Szymon Mieczkowski: 200 Back (1:46.22)
• Jonathan Rom: 200 Breast (1:58.72)
• Carson Hick: 500 Free (4:19.60)
• Lydia Hanlon: 100 Fly (53.75)

New NCAA “B” Cuts

• Paige Taber: 200 Back (1:56.31)

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