AUBURN, Ala. – Gearing up for what proves to be an exciting midseason invite, Ryan Wochomurka's group of Tigers dialed up some solid swims on Saturday during the War Eagle Invite.
MEN
Captain Aidan Stoffle and Kalle Makinen went right to business in the 50 back. Stoffle clocked in a 22.75 to win the event while Makinen hit the wall second at 22.85.
The duo were back at it in the 50 free. This time, it was Makinen who edged out Stoffle with a 20.19.
In the 50 fly, Makinen, Sohib Khaled and Stoffle all went sub-22 seconds and earned the sweep.
Freshman Benjamin Chateigner continues to shine in the freestyle events. The Frenchman won the 100 free with a 45.24. Meanwhile, Danny Schmidt, Josh Noll and Ryan Husband each went sub-46 seconds.
Evan McInerny led the charge in the 200 fly. His 1:51.69 was second-best on the day with teammates Rusty Jerger, Harrison Ranier and Lucas Thomas close behind.
When it came to the 100 breast, Alejandro Flores was the man to beat. His 56.27 paced the Auburn group with Henry Bethel, Liam Heary and Britton Spann following in suit.
Andrew Simmons collected gold in the 200 back. His 1:49.13 was the fastest of the day with Josh Noll grabbing second.
The Tiger distance group was just as strong. Drew Jordan topped the class in the 500 free with a 4:33.49 as Grant Davis came in second.
WOMEN
Mulvihill madness kicked off the day for the Auburn Women. Lexie's 50.83 in the 100 free was the fastest swim of the event. Wyllo Hanson was just .23 seconds behind as Lawson Ficken took third, Polina Nevmovenko fourth and Meghan Lee fifth.
Lexie was back to secure another crown in the 50 free with a 22.87. Emma Steckiel would take the silver. Meanwhile, Nevmovenko along with Abigail Gibbons and Kara west all rounded out the top five.
Gibbons returned to the blocks to win the 50 fly at 25.04. Steckiel and Mulvihill each went sub-26 seconds to solidify a top three finish.
Casey Cullen grabbed a win in the 200 fly, hitting the wall at 2:01.54. Freshman Carissa Rinard and Morgan Carteaux took second and third, respectively.
Fellow rookie Zoey Zeller flashed her speed in the 100 breast. Her 1:03.81 was the best time of the group. Anastasia Makarova secured second with Brynn Curtis and Olivia Dinehart in third and fourth.
Hannah Ownbey swam a 2:00.51 to win the 200 back. SEC Swimmer of the Week Kensley Merritt grabbed second with Kyla Maloney, Maggie McGuire and Carissa Rinard all in the top five.
Freshman Katie Russel was lone Tiger to compete in the 500 free, easily taking the win at 5:02.74.
