Several Jayhawk Swimmers Post Solid Performances at U.S. Open

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Three Jayhawk swimmers turned in solid performances on day two of the 2013 U.S. Open at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center in Irvine, Calif, while Kansas newcomer Yulduz Kuchkarova wrapped up her summer session at the 15th FINA World Championships in Barcelona, Spain.

In California, Morgan Sharp was first to compete on the day in the 400-meter freestyle. The soon-to-be senior swam herself to a time of 4:26.49, just missing the qualifying time for Wednesday’s final.

Bryce Hinde and Alison Lusk were next on the starting platform, as they competed in the 200-meter breaststroke. Lusk paced the duo to a 31st-place finish, swimming a time of 2:37.28. Hinde was not too far behind, as she turned in a time of 2:39.98.

No KU swimmer advanced to Wednesday evening’s final, however the trio will be back in the pool Friday, Aug. 2, to wrap up competition at the U.S. Open. Hinde and Lusk will compete in the 100-meter breaststroke, before Sophiia Filatova, Hinde, Deanna Marks and Haley Molden team up for the 400-meter medley relay.

Halfway across the world in Spain, Kuchkarova, the only other swimmer with Kansas ties competing this week, found herself in the pool against the top swimmers in the world for the 50-meter backstroke. The freshman-to-be swam herself to a 37th place finish, turning in a time of 29.84.

Friday’s competition at the U.S. Open will be the last for KU swimmers this summer.

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