Nov. 17, 2011
2011 Hilltoper Invitational Order of Events 
The Vanderbilt swimming team will participate in its final meet of the fall season this Friday-Sunday, November 18-20, when it heads to the Hilltopper Invitiational in Bowling Green, Ky.
Joining the Commodores on the women’s side of the meet will be the host, Western Kentucky, as well as Evansville, Arkansas-Little Rock and the University of the Cumberlands.
It marks the conclusion of the fall season for Head Coach Jeremy Organ’s squad, which has posted a 0-3 record in duals this fall. The Commodores fell to Kentucky and Western Kentucky in a home meet, before dropping a heartbreaker on the road at Tulane.
The Hilltopper Invitational will be a preliminary/final format, which gives Organ a chance to see where his squad stands before taking a break until January. With eyes on the SEC Championships in February, it is especially important for a squad that has a significant number of freshmen.
“It’s like a midterm for us,” said Organ. “It gives us a chance to see where every one is and give everyone some experience in a three-day prelim/final format.”
Organ is especially excited to see what his two freshmen from the Commonwealth of Kentucky do in a meet closer to home. Elly Faulkner and Caroline Thomas will have the opportunity to swim in their native state for the first time in their collegiate careers.
“It’s going to be great to see our two freshmen from Kentucky, who will be going closer to home,” said Organ. “They’ll be swimming against some kids they grew up with, which hopefully gives them some added incentive.”
The Commodores expect strong finishes from Thomas, who set the school record in the 100 free two weeks ago at Tulane, as well as senior Laura Dillon (breaststroke) and freshmen Lauren Torres (freestyle) and Chrissy Oberg (backstroke).
Organ also expects to see continuing development from junior Erika Deardorf (distance) and freshman Alexis Mayhall (backstroke).
“Erika has been working hard for weeks now,” said Organ of the Texan who won the 1000 free at Tulane. “We always look for her to pace us in distance.”
Mayhall’s development, coupled with her classmate Oberg, has helped the Commodores become more competitive in the backstroke.
“Alexis has looked really good in the backstroke the past two weeks,” explained Oberg. “She has an opportunity to have some really good times this weekend.”
Preliminaries begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, with the finals both days starting at 6:30 p.m. Sunday’s action begins with preliminaries at 9:30 a.m. and finals at 4:30 p.m.
Check back to VUCommodores.com for updates following the conclusion of each day’s events.
