HOUSTON — Melissa Cowen and Aubrey Hull each qualified for A Finals in their events to lead Vanderbilt swimming on the second day of competition at the Phill Hansel Invitational at the CRWC Natatorium Thursday.
Cowen moved on her with performance in prelims of the 100 breast in the morning, with Hull following suit in the 100 back. Five other Commodores advanced to the top three finals in their events on the day.
“I was really pleased with our day, we experienced a lot of growth today improving on swims from the morning and getting into some great races,” head coach Jeremy Organ said. “Tomorrow is a day with a chance for some more great races, I think today really has us feeling good about that opportunity.”
The three-day meet is set to conclude on Friday, as prelims start at 10 a.m. beginning with the 200 back.
Meet Highlights
-Cowen placed fifth in the A Final of the 100 breast while Hull 100 recorded a sixth-place finish in the 100 back A Final.
-Ellie Butler placed third in the C Final of the 100 fly, with Kate Heintz also recording a top-five result in the race.
-Emily Constable touched the wall fifth in the 100 breast C Final.
-Bailey Ratzburg advanced to the 400 IM C Final with Quinlan Hinerfeld moving on to the C Final of the 100 back as well.
Notes
-Hull missed matching her school record in the 100 back by just two-tenths of a second after touching the wall in 53.69.
-With a mark of 1:01.58 in finals of the 100 breast, Cowen moved into sixth place in the event on the Commodores’ all-time performer list.
-In winning the 100 breast D Final, Amelia Harper finished with a career-best time of 1:03.47.
-Freshman Sadie Suppiger earned her first victory at the collegiate level after claiming the D Final of the 100 back, with classmate Ava Allingham also accomplishing the feat in the 100 breast E Final.
-The duo of Abby Hite (1:52.65) and Merritt Zieminick (1:53.41) both posted career-low times in 200 free prelims during the morning session.
