ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Lobo swim and dive team is back in the water for their first official home meet of the season as they will host Air Force Academy this Sat, Oct. 18 in the Seidler Natatorium at 12:00 p.m.
The Lobos last saw Air Force Academy as they went head-to-head during the opening of their 2012-13 season where they dominated the Falcons after a final score of 167-143. It has been some time since the two competed in a dual-meet. New Mexico’s season opener last year was planned to be against Air Force as well but was ultimately prevented due to the government shutdown that occurred from Oct. 1-16.
However, both teams encountered each other later in the season at the 2014 Mountain West Swimming and Diving Championships where they fought through the 4×100-yard freestyle relay for 5th place.
The two will participate in a dual-meet again this season with the Falcons coming to Albuquerque after a third place finish in the two-day Bulldog Invitational in Fresno, Calif. which was held this past weekend.
New Mexico is competing again after spending a rigorous Fall Break weekend against Mountain West foe Wyoming who they fell to with a score of 162-95. The Lobo divers also finished in the Wyoming Diving Invite for third place in the women’s team champion division with an overall score of 74 points. In day three of consecutive competition, UNM participated in the Denver Relay Meet where they took second place with 228 points.
Lobo head coach Kunio Kono says, “They are a tough team to beat, however our girls are training hard both physically and mentally. They’re ready to compete against them this weekend. This will test our freshmen more and our upperclassmen need to help our youngsters get ready. I know that we will have good competition.”
He adds that they are a well-coached and strong team and is expecting a challenging meet this weekend.