University of Tennessee Athletics
University of Tennessee
Georgia
Vols Lose to Top-Five UGA Squads in Dual Meet
January 23, 2016 | Swimming & Diving
ATHENS, Ga. -- Tennessee's swimming and diving teams lost a pair of top-five Georgia teams in its final road meet of the regular season Saturday at Gabrielsen Natatorium.
The UT men, ranked 12th nationally, lost 165-135 to No. 4 Georgia. The Tennessee women, also ranked 12th, fell to top-ranked Georgia 173.5-121.5.
The Tennessee men won 6 of 16 events in the meet.
Sophomore diver Liam Stone led the way by delivering a two-win day for Tennessee on the diving boards, winning both the 1-meter and 3-meter contests. He scored a season-best 439.73 to win the 3-meter competition, followed by Mauricio Robles (419.40). Stone also won the 1-meter springboard (355.15) with Robles taking second.
Junior Michael Howell had career highs on 1 meter (306.08) and 3 meter (324.53), finishing fourth in both.
"On 3 meter, Liam came out on fire his first two dives, and he dove pretty freely the rest of the way," Tennessee diving coach Dave Parrington said. "Mau was very steady. Kudos for Liam for stepping up and winning in spectacular fashion. I'm pleased to see these guys diving to make each other better."
Senior Sean Lehane remained unbeaten this season in the 200 back , winning the race in 1 minute, 42.36 seconds, and finishing second in the 100 back. Sohomore Peter John Stevens won the 100 breaststroke (52.35), followed by junior Ross Dibblin. Sophomore Sam McHugh recorded a victory in the 500 freestyle (4:25.73).
The team of Lehane, Stevens, Tyler Mills and Kyle DeCoursey opened the swim competition with a win in the 200 medley relay (1:26.11).
In the women's meet, Tennessee had the fastest time in two of 16 events.
Senior Faith Johnson tied first first in the 100 freestyle, swimming and NCAA B-cut time of 49.74. She was just one hundredth of a second off the leader in the 50 freestyle (22.68).
Freshman Madeline Banic won the 100 butterfly in a B cut time of 53.24. She was also third in the 50 freestyle (22.75).
The Vols also picked up a pair of women's victories at the end of the meet when Georgia swam exhibition. Colleen Callahan took first-place points in the 200 IM and the 400 freestyle relay team placed first (3:22.58).
In women's diving, UT freshman Rachel Rubadue took second (265.58) and Sarah Chewning finished third (250.43) on 1 meter before the swimming session started. In the 3-meter contest, Chewning was second (289.05) and Rubadue was third (280.35) in a close contest where the top five finished within 25 points of each other.
"On 1 meter, Rachel did a solid job. she missed one dive a little but was steady against a good Georgia field," Parrington said. "For them to go 2-3 was nice result in both events. It was good to see Emily Pelletier get points for the team; she's getting better off all the time. I'm pleased where we're at right now, and it bodes well for SECs."
UP NEXT: Tennessee closes out the regular season in a Senior Day meet against Florida on Jan. 30 at Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center. The meet is scheduled for 10 a.m.
