S&D Wraps Up Day One at Georgia Tech Invite

ATLANTA — The Miami Hurricanes ended day one of the Georgia Tech Invitational in third place, finishing with 238 points after a strong showing at the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center.

Sophomore Lucy Worrall anchored the Hurricanes, finishing in fifth place in the 200 IM despite having little experience in the event. Head swimming coach Christie Shefchunas was impressed with her young sophomore, who was competing against strong competition.

Despite the adversity, the Vicars Cross, England native finished in a time of 2:02.18.

“Lucy was definitely the big performer of the day,” Shefchunas said. “She’s not usually in the event, and she ended up making the finals.”

Worrall’s splits in the 400 IM, an event in which the Hurricanes captured third place, was also pivotal. Miami’s young entry was comprised of freshmen Kathleen Ligon and My Fridell, Worrall and senior Sofia Johansson, and finished in 3:42.46.

Senior Celeste Degen was also singled out by Shefchunas for her strong showing. The Hudson, Fla., native took fourth in the 50 freestyle (23.10), and helped guide the 200 freestyle relay team to a fourth-place showing with a time of 1:35.78.

“Celeste was big for us today, there’s no doubt about it,” Shefchunas said. “We have some big events tomorrow, but gaining some solid ground early was key for us.”

Senior Carrie Dragland took first in the three-meter diving event, finishing with 334.90 points on the day. Junior Lindsay Lester (295.25) and sophomore Kara McCormack (290.15) also earned points.

Tanner Wilfong, the lone men’s diving enttrant on the day, captured third place in the one-meter diving event with a total score of 314.30.

“It was a good first day for us, but tomorrow is big,” Shefchunas added. “We’re looking forward to another day of competition.”