Gamecocks Sweep Royals
Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina swimming swept the reigning Division II National Champion Queens Royals on Friday afternoon at Carolina Natatorium. The Gamecock women put on a clinic, defeating the Royals 187-70. Carolina’s men had a closer match but still pulled off the win, downing the Royals 141-121. The Gamecock women won each of their 14 events while the men won six of theirs.
Gamecock Notables
- Junior Janie Smith picked up wins in the 50 and 100 freestyle races individually and earned wins as the anchor of the 400 medley relay and the leadoff leg of the 400 freestyle relay.
- Mari Kraus continues to shine in the backstroke. The senior took first in the 200-yard race with a time of 1:57.37. She also picked up wins as the leadoff leg of the 400 medley relay and as the anchor leg of the 400 freestyle relay.
- Senior Haley Arner swept the distance races, posting a 4:58.09 in the 500 freestyle and a 10:07.09 in the 1000 freestyle, a new personal best.
- Emma Isreals is making her name known. The freshman won the 100 butterfly with a time of 55.67, a new personal best. She also swam the third leg of the winning 400 medley relay.
- Senior Ellie Masterson picked up a win in the 400 IM with a time of 4:23.81.
- Senior Luke Massey took home a win in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 55.79. He also helped pick up a win as the second leg of the 400 medley relay.
- Michael Laitarovsky is also making his bid as the most impactful freshman. He won the 100 backstroke with a time of 50.61 and swam the leadoff leg of the winning 400 medley relay team.
- Junior Guy Gropper pulled out a win in a tight 100 butterfly race. He posted a 49.37 to add to the Gamecocks’ points. He also swam the third leg of the winning 400 medley relay.
- Junior Jordan Yip pulled off a close win as well. Yip came from behind to secure the win in the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:02.99.
Head Coach Jeff Poppell on the Team’s Performance
“I thought both of our teams did a fantastic job racing today. We had several personal or in-season best times on both our men’s and women’s squads. I’m very proud of the efforts of our athletes, coaches, and support staff. Our recent performances have been a direct reflection of their hard work and dedication. Today was also a special opportunity for us to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness and the battles being fought by so many of our loved ones. We’re all in it together and want to be able to help support each other the best that we can.”
Up next for the Gamecocks
South Carolina will be back in action next at the Tennessee Invitational in Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18-20.
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