WKU swimming and diving wrapped up its third day of competition on Friday at the Sun Belt Conference Championships in Rockwall, Texas.

The men’s team rebounded from Thursday’s disqualification in the 200-yard freestyle relay and moved into first place, holding a 25-point lead over Denver heading into the last day of events.

Sophomore Heitor Rodrigues and juniors Adam Dajka and Billy Kunkel each won individual events on the men’s side.

Rodrigues set a Sun Belt Conference meet and conference record time in the 100 butterfly.

Head Coach Bruce Marchionda said he was happy with the men’s performance on Friday after falling behind on Thursday.

“We had a very good day today on the men’s side,” Marchionda said. “The guys could’ve just given up but they came out this morning with vengeance and did a phenomenal job in setting themselves up for the finals.”

Marchionda said the key event for the men’s team on Saturday will be the 100 freestyle.

“We’re going to have to do well there,” he said. “Denver’s very, very strong and we’re going to have to find a way to mix it up with them and beat a few of their guys.”

The women’s team is currently in second behind Denver and just in front of third-place North Texas.

Senior Kristiana Feeser came in second-place in the 100 butterfly while junior Hilary Mishler finished runner up in the 100 backstroke.

Marchionda said he thought the women’s team also had a good day but will have to fight to hold off North Texas on Saturday.

“The girls did a very nice job today,” Marchionda said. “I thought we had a couple of swimmers who could’ve done a little bit better and qualified for the finals but we had a great night.”

Marchionda said he wants his team to be solely focused on the last day and to look at it as a single meet.

“At this point it’s essentially a one-day meet,” he said. “I want them to not have any regrets when they’re done. If they put 100 percent effort forth then I’ll be happy with whatever outcome.”

However he said at this point he has no regrets with how his team has performed.

“It’s been a great weekend so far,” Marchionda said. “We just have to try and finish it out and finish on a good note.”