Oct. 27, 2011
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico swimming and diving team stomped Northern Colorado Thursday evening at Seidler Natatorium, 176-108. UNM claimed first place in 11 of the 16 events, including the first nine events of the meet. The win brings UNM’s record to 2-0.
The 200-yard medley relay team of Stelicia Flores, Jorgi Hobson, Ashley Blanchette and Heidi Zeiger got New Mexico off to a strong start with their win in the event finishing with a time of 1:47.02.
Monica Dudley continues to excel in the distance events for the Lobos; she touched the wall first in both the 1000- and 500-yard free with final times of 10:41.86 and 5:16.03, respectively.
“I think both of my races were very good for how early in the season it is,” Dudley said.
“Distance events are very challenging mentally; you have to stay focused and motivated throughout the entire race,” she said. “But they were controlled, and I’m happy with them.”
The underclassmen on Head Coach Tracy Ljone’s squad continue to make an impact and bring in points for New Mexico. Anna Lillistrom, Amber Amr, Samantha Moss, Amy Peters, and Carlie McGregor and Taylor McGregor all had great performances against the Bears.
“The underclassmen that we have this year are hungry,” said Ljone. “I love coaching them because they work hard and they’re fun. They want to make travel squad and they want to compete in the Mountain West which is a fast conference.”
Senior Tesse Maciejko also had a solid showing for the Lobos, placing first in the 200-yard free, swimming the event in 1:56.47. Maciejko also finished second in the 500-yard free with a time of 5:18.81.
“It was a great night, the ladies really stepped it up and swam well, especially it being during the middle of the week,” said Ljone. “We have a quick turnaround with Wyoming coming in on Saturday, but we’ll bring our A-game on Saturday.”
On the boards, Ashlee Erickson continued her win streak claiming first on the 1-meter with a score of 309.45. Freshmen Michole Timm placed third on the 1-meter with 239.33 points, and sophomore Laura Lee Thomas was fourth with 223.43 points.
“Again, I’m really proud of the way the team did today,” said Diving coach Abel Sanchez.
“Gabby (Erickson) is tearing it up,” he said. “This is our third meet now and she’s diving very well and consistent, it’s still early on in the season, and we’ll pack on the training more as we go on, but she’s doing well.”
Just like Ljone’s swimmers are making an impact, so too are Sanchez’s divers. With Aubrey Bush being out for the 2011-12 season due to injury and sophomores Melissa Bollig and Megan Harper coming back from injuries, Michole Timm and Laura Lee Thomas have stepped up to the plate and performed.
“Laura Lee is doing a tremendous job coming in for us and stepping up,” said Sanchez. “Michole came in having to learn a lot of mechanics and different techniques, but in two years, people better watch out for her. She is going to be the next Ashlee Erickson or Aubrey Bush.”
UNM has a quick turnaround with Wyoming coming in on Saturday; the Lobos will take on the Cowgirls at 10 a.m. at Seidler Natatorium. Check Golobos.com for full recap and results.