BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Two personal bests and her first collegiate individual win has earned Auburn’s Kate Murray SEC Freshman of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday.
Murray, the Fairfield, Connecticut product was integral for head coach Ryan Wochomurka and the Tigers in an important dual victory over SEC foe Kentucky, 163-137.
The Orange and Blue swept both sprints in Lexington against the Wildcats. In the 50 free, Murray’s personal-best 22.80 was just 0.01 seconds behind event winner and teammate Elizaveta Klevanovich. Twenty minutes later, the rookie would find the winner’s circle with a second personal best, a flat 49.00, edging out Polina Nevmovenko.
Capping off her best day in the Orange and Blue thus far, Murray along with Morgan Carteaux, Bella Ekk and Abby Gibbons went toe-to-toe with Auburn’s A quartet of Lawson Ficken, Klevanovich, Nevmovenko and Wyllo Hanson in the 200 free relay. The two squads hit the wall with identical times of 1:30.65 to share an impressive haul of points.
Murray’s recognition marks the third time an Auburn Tiger has picked up the award this season. Ethan Swart and Warner Russ have both been named SEC Freshman of the Week at earlier points this season.
Wochomurka and the Tigers will be back in action on Friday, Jan. 24 against Alabama for Senior Day. Diving begins at 12:30 p.m., Senior Day recognition is slated for 2:30 p.m. and swimming events are scheduled for 3 p.m.