LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bellarmine men's and women's swimming fell to Ball State on Friday in both of their final regular season duals.
 
The women's team (3-6) lost 157-99 while the men's team (2-4) dropped its dual by a final score of 162-100.

The men captured five first place finishes, led by Brandon Thomas and Matthew Sims with two each.  Thomas raced to first in the 1000 freestyle (9:52.92) and 400 IM (4:10.44), while M. Sims was no. 1 in the 200 butterfly (1:53.53) and 500 freestyle (4:46.86).  Keegan Henderson was victorious in the 200 backstroke (1:57.65) as the other first place finisher.  Daniel Sims captured second place three times – 100 breaststroke (59.44), 200 breaststroke (2:09.19), and 400 IM (4:13.68). JP Metzner also nabbed second in the 100 butterfly (52.45).
 
The women were winners with the 200 freestyle relay of Rachel Walker, Liz Stevenson, Grace Lough, and Lexi Pierce (1:40.63).  Individually, there were three Knights who earned first place.  Liz Schrenger won the 100 breaststroke (1:06.93), Kayla Effinger finished first in the 200 backstroke (1:43.58), and Johnisse Garcia won the 400 IM (4:44.15).  Second place finishers were Anna Holt in the 200 butterfly (2:09.40) and 500 freestyle (5:23.13), Walker in the 100 freestyle (54.35), Lexi Pierce in the 200 breaststroke (2:27.71), and Avery Witcher in the 400 IM (4:53.88).  Garcia, Witcher, and Caroline McMillin who earned third place, lined up the top three in the 400 IM.

Both teams wrapped up their regular seasons with Friday's meet. Following this weekend, the men and women are off until the CCSA Chamionships in Lynchburg, Va. Feb. 16-19.

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