The University of Louisville women earned an upset victory over the Texas Longhorns (and Ohio State) last weekend at the Eddie Reese Showdown, and a big part of that came due to some big wins in the relays.
Kicking off the Friday afternoon session, the Cardinals won an exciting battle with the Longhorns in the women’s 200 freestyle relay, putting up a time of 1:26.36 compared to Texas’ 1:26.88.
The Longhorns held the lead at the first exchange, but a massive 20.96 split from Julia Dennis on the second leg vaulted Louisville into the lead, which they never relinquished.
RACE VIDEO
Courtesy: Texas Women’s Swimming on YouTube
Texas was led off by freshman Eva Okaro, who was just one one-hundredth off her personal best in the 50 free in 21.54, while Louisville was close behind with Caroline Larsen opening things up in 21.89.
After Dennis gained nearly nine-tenths on Texas’ second leg, Lucy Mehraban, the two teams had near-identical times on the second 200, giving Louisville the win by just over half a second.
Split Comparison
| Louisville | Texas |
| Caroline Larsen – 21.89 | Eva Okaro – 21.54 |
| Julia Dennis – 20.96 | Lucy Mehraban – 21.83 |
| Julie Mishler – 21.72 | Lillie Nesty – 21.70 |
| Ella Welch – 21.79 | Erin Gemmell – 21.81 |
| 1:26.36 | 1:26.88 |
Although that may have been the most exciting relay race of the women’s meet, Louisville arguably had an even more impressive performance in the 400 medley relay, clocking 3:27.40 to dominate Texas by nearly three seconds and move them into 6th in the country this season.
In the 200 free relay, Louisville’s season-best stands at 1:25.36, set at the Ohio State Invite in November, which ranks them 3rd in the country.
The Cardinals ultimately finished the meet with 488 points, inching past host Texas (487) by one.
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