Swimming Finishes Tournament in Fourth Place

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Miami swimming team wrapped up its final day of competition at the All-Florida Invitational Sunday, earning a fourth-place finish in the season-opening tournament.

Miami’s 570 points trailed Florida, Florida State and Florida Gulf Coast. Behind Miami were Florida Atlantic, North Florida, Nova Southeastern and Rollins College.

Head coach Christie Shefchunas was encouraged by the performance of her team over the course of the weekend, including a number of strong showings from some of the Hurricanes’ youngest contributors.

“I really didn’t know what to expect going intothis meet,” Shefchunas said. “We’ve been working really hard both in the pool and the weight room,so, with how early we are into the season, I was pleased with their times.”

Shefchunas pointed to freshman Katie Ligon as a prime example of the Canes’ bright future. The Memphis, Tenn., native qualified for the “A” final of the 200 Backstroke with a preliminary time of 2:05.35 Sunday morning, In the event finals, Ligon finished in eighth place (2:06.38).

“As a freshman, it was big that she made the “A” final. She’s got huge potential, and we’re excited she starting out on the rightfoot,” Shefchunas said.

Some of the team’s most veteran contributors also made an impact on the tournament’s final day. Senior Sofia Johansson had a strong swim in the preliminary rounds of the 200 Breastsroke (2:19.53) to qualify for the “A” final, where she finished in eighth place after losing her goggles mid-race.

Junior Katherine Daniels and sophomore Lucy Worrall made trips to the “A” final of the 200 Butterfly, where they finished in fourth (2:03.79) and seventh (2:04.47), respectively.

“We have a lot of work to do, but I think we’ve got greatthings to come this season!” Shefchunas said.

The Hurricanes return to action Fri., Oct. 12 with their first dual meet of the season on the road at Florida Gulf Coast.