“UK Athletics Sets Sail for an Exciting Duel with Auburn and Cincinnati: A Weekend of Swimming and Diving Awaits!”

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky swimming & diving teams are returning home at the Lancaster Aquatic Center on Friday, Jan. 17, as they host the nationally ranked Auburn Tigers at noon, followed by a road meet against Cincinnati on Saturday, Jan. 18, starting at 11:30 a.m. Friday’s competition against the Tigers will be broadcasted on SEC Network+ and provides complimentary admission for attendees.  

The women’s squad of Kentucky is aiming for two more victories this season after achieving mixed results against Notre Dame and Purdue last weekend. Two of the female swimmers are still ranked among the top 50 times in the nation this season, namely junior Grace Frericks and fifth-year Bridget Engel. Frericks is positioned 46th in the 200 backstroke, while Engel ranks 28th in the 100 breaststroke and 31st in the 200 breaststroke.  

Having recently received votes in the latest poll from the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA), the men’s team also seeks to build on their success this season following their victory against Purdue. Carson Hick stands 10th in the 1650 freestyle and 21st in the 500 freestyle and is one of four esteemed Wildcats on the men’s side. Levi Sandidge is currently ranked 12th in the mile and 21st in the 400 IM. Ryan Merani (31st, 200 fly) and Jonathan Rom (33rd, 200 breast) are also recognized as top-50 competitors. 

The matchup on Friday will see the Wildcats competing against Southeastern Conference rival Auburn, which is currently ranked No. 19 in women’s swimming and No. 14 in men’s swimming. The Cincinnati Bearcats will provide another challenge on Saturday, as the Wildcats aim for their 15th consecutive victory against the Bearcats. Live results for both competitions will be accessible via Meet Mobile. The swimming events at Cincinnati are scheduled to commence at 2 p.m. at Keating Aquatic Center.  

NCAA B-Standards for this season:  

• Lauren West – 200 freestyle

• Libby Grether – 500 freestyle

• Samantha Hamilton – 500 freestyle, 1650 freestyle

• Grace Frericks – 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke

• Torie Buerger – 200 backstroke

• Paige Taber – 200 backstroke

• Bridget Engel – 100 breaststroke, 200 breaststroke

Billie Sherratt – 200 fly 

• Hayden Penny – 200 IM, 400 IM

• Fernanda de Goeij – 400 IM

• Carson Hick – 500 free, 1650 free, 400 IM

• Levi Sandidge – 500 free, 1650 free, 400 IM

• Caue Gluck – 500 free

• Chris Nagy – 1650 free

• Devin Naoroz – 100 back, 200 back

• Szymon Mieczkowski – 200 back

• Adomas Gatulis – 100 breast

• Jonathan Rom – 200 breast

• Ryan Merani – 200 fly

Regarding diving, both male and female athletes will have the opportunity to engage in the 1-meter and 3-meter springboards in both dual matches this weekend. In the previous competition, fifth-year Sam Duncan and senior Abby Devereaux were the standout performers for the Wildcats, who aim to maintain their achievements this weekend. 

The events are set to commence at 12 p.m. on Friday and at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Live updates can be accessed on DiveMeets. 

NCAA Zone Cuts for this season:  

• Sam Duncan – 1-meter, 3-meter

• Devynn Bishop – 3-meter, platform

• Abby Devereaux – 1-meter, 3-meter, platform

• Avery Giese – 1-meter, 3-meter

• Claire McDaniels – 1-meter, platform

• Kristy Pfaff – 1-meter, 3-meter

For the most current updates on UK Swim & Dive, keep up with the Wildcats on X and Instagram at @UKSwimDive, as well as on Facebook at Kentucky Swimming and Diving.