Marshall University Athletics
Banton, Payne Win Conference USA Weekly Honors
1/19/2022 2:18:00 PM | Women's Swimming and Diving
Thundering Herd swimmer, diver recognized
DALLAS, Texas – Marshall swimmer Paige Banton and diver Kailee Payne have been named Conference USA Co-Swimmer and Diver of the Week, respectively, in a release by the league office on Wednesday.
Banton earned her third weekly honor following another impressive individual performance at the Herd's meet at William & Mary. The Marshall sophomore found the top spot on the podium in two events, winning the 100 breaststroke (1:05.19) and the 200 breaststroke (2:20.16). She also helped her team to a second-place finish in the 400 medley relay with the fastest split in the event. She also won the award last week and on November 17.
Payne picked up the first victory of her career in the 1-meter dive with a mark of 269.20 in the Herd's meet against the Duquesne Dukes. The Marshall freshman's 1-meter score was also a Zone-qualifying mark. Payne also placed fifth in the 3-meter dive (224.85).
"Paige has done a great job finding ways to get her hand on the wall, especially in this last big training block," said Marshall head coach Ian Walsh. "She's been really consistent and continues to find ways to improve in different areas.
"It is always special to get your first collegiate win, but to get that and a Zone-qualifying score makes it extra special in Kailee's case. (Diving Coach) Megan (Siford) has done a great job getting all of our divers in a position to compete well, specifically leading into our last few meets before conference. Kailee, along with all of our divers, have been progressing at the right time as we move into the last few weeks of the season."
Marshall is back in action a week from Friday at home against Bowling Green. The start time is 6 p.m.
Banton earned her third weekly honor following another impressive individual performance at the Herd's meet at William & Mary. The Marshall sophomore found the top spot on the podium in two events, winning the 100 breaststroke (1:05.19) and the 200 breaststroke (2:20.16). She also helped her team to a second-place finish in the 400 medley relay with the fastest split in the event. She also won the award last week and on November 17.
Payne picked up the first victory of her career in the 1-meter dive with a mark of 269.20 in the Herd's meet against the Duquesne Dukes. The Marshall freshman's 1-meter score was also a Zone-qualifying mark. Payne also placed fifth in the 3-meter dive (224.85).
"Paige has done a great job finding ways to get her hand on the wall, especially in this last big training block," said Marshall head coach Ian Walsh. "She's been really consistent and continues to find ways to improve in different areas.
"It is always special to get your first collegiate win, but to get that and a Zone-qualifying score makes it extra special in Kailee's case. (Diving Coach) Megan (Siford) has done a great job getting all of our divers in a position to compete well, specifically leading into our last few meets before conference. Kailee, along with all of our divers, have been progressing at the right time as we move into the last few weeks of the season."
Marshall is back in action a week from Friday at home against Bowling Green. The start time is 6 p.m.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Swimming and Diving
Diving
/ Women's Swimming and DivingMarshall Softball: HC Morgan Zerkle/Abby Darnley (Post-South Alabama G1)
Saturday, April 18
Marshall Baseball: A.J. McAninch/Cam Harthan/Jackson Halter/HC Greg Beals at Ohio State Postgame
Thursday, April 16
Marshall Baseball: AJ Havrilla/Charlie Krebs/HC Greg Beals Postgame vs. ODU Game 3
Sunday, April 12
Marshall Softball: HC Morgan Zerkle and Sydni Burko (Post-Coastal Carolina)
Sunday, April 12