Sept. 23, 2016
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt swim team began its 2016-17 season with a good showing against LSU at Centennial Sportsplex. The Commodores earned several podium finishes against the Tigers, but fell 200-61.
“Today we saw some things we liked,” said head coach Jeremy Organ. “Overall, I am pretty happy with our result. I am looking forward to getting some work done in the pool and getting ourselves in a better situation to be competitive going forward this year.”
The highlight of the opening meet for the Commodores was the performance of the Vandy freshmen who gained numerous podium finishes in their first collegiate meet.
“Great group, Selah Peacock’s 1000-yard and 500-yard freestyle really stood out as some good swims,” Organ said. “I think we are going to see some really great things from that group as a whole this season.”
Selah Peacock claimed a first place finish in the 1000 freestyle (10:24.57), it was her first race as a Commodore. Peacock finished second in the 500-yard freestyle (5:08.08), her other individual race of the afternoon. Peacock raced in the final event of the meet, the 400-freestyle relay (3:43.59), and her team finished 7th.
Freshman Paige Hamilton also earned a second place finish in her collegiate debut in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 24.36. Hamilton raced in both the 200-yard medley relay (1:47.60) and 400-yard freestyle relay (3:36.08), finishing in 5th and 4th respectfuly.
Amanda Chabbott was another Vandy freshman that picked up a podium finish in her collegiate debut. She finished 3rd in the 200-yard breaststroke (2:07.72). Chabbott also raced in the 200-yard freestyle (1:58.59) and the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:43.59) in her debut.
Namilla Sanchez rounded out the Commodore freshman that gained a podium finish in their debut. Sanchez finished 3rd in the 500-yard freestyle (5:10.84), finishing just behind Peacock. Sophie Halper and Breinne Thorne were the other two Vanderbilt freshmen to make their debuts against LSU.
Breanna Sapienza, the current 100 and 200-yard butterfly record holder, earned a two podium finishes for the Commodores. Sapienza finished 3rd in the 100-yard butterfly (56.15), and 200-yard medley relay (1:45.80). Kara Lucenti, who holds the school record in the 200-yard breaststroke and 400-yard IM, added to the Commodores’ podium finishes on the afternoon. She placed 3rd in the 200-breaststroke (2:22.98).
The Commodores will be back in action next Friday, Sept. 30th. Vandy will travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala. for a tri-meet against Alabama and West Florida.
“The biggest thing going into next week is consistency and training along with continuing to improve,” Organ stated. “We look to do things a little better next week and another week of training, I think it will be very good. Going on the road to Alabama will be a tough test for us but it is what we need.”
