Ouachita Baptist University men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams were defeated by Henderson State University at Waggoner Pool on Friday. The Lady Red Waves outswam the Lady Tigers 120-81, while the Ouachita men also fell short 133-71.
For Ouachita’s Lady Tigers, Camilla Howarth placed first in the 1000-yard freestyle (11:22.50). A great showing by Rylee Garrett sealed herself a win in the 200-yard IM (2:17.61), as well as in the 200-yard butterfly (2:21.95). Ouachita was also able to capitalize in the 200-yard backstroke thanks to Emily Mahan (2:34.54).
Two Ouachita men had a profitable day as well. Artemii Orekhov took first place in the 200-yard IM (1:56.36) and the 200-yard breaststroke (2:08.10), while Alexander Podguzov won the 200-yard backstroke (1:57.72).
Despite Ouachita’s loss, Head Coach Steven Bostick was pleased with the meet. “It was really good. Probably the highlight of the night was the 200 breaststroke and 200 IM for Artemii, as well as Emily. It has been awhile since she has had a big win against real stiff competition, so that is probably the best swim she has ever had.”
Coach Bostick was also satisfied with the performance by his seniors. “I am really happy with the way the seniors went out and they are a tough team. We do not really have any all stars, so we grind it out as a team. Going into conference we are in a pretty good place. We have three and a half more weeks of rest, and then we will be ready to go.”
Ouachita’s men’s and women’s swim teams will head to Cleveland, Miss. to compete in the NSISC Championships February 21-24.
By Josh Salim, copy editor
