FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The University of New Mexico swimming and diving team opened its 2015-16 season with a 156-144 victory over Colorado State Thursday night. After CSU won the opening event — the 200-yard medley relay — the Lobos proceeded to win the next five events, starting with Adriana Palomino’s win in the 1000-yard freestyle (10:39.98). It was the first of three wins on the evening for the freshman from Tempe, Ariz., as she immediately followed with a win in the 200 free (1:53.41). She later claimed the win in the 500 free as well (5:09.49).
Senior captain Kristin Walker did her part as well by winning two events: the 100- (1:05.18) and 200-yard breaststrokes (2:24.14). The closest finish of the evening came in the fourth event, the 100-yard backstroke, which Kaela McKee came from behind to win by .01 (57.57) over Jess Shepard of CSU.
In the diving portion of the meet, Allyson Concepcion placed third in the one-meter dives and second in the three-meter to give the Lobos some much-needed points.
Anna Lengyel (200 fly, 2:08.20) and Morgan Ginnis (50 free, 23.86) each won their respective events to give UNM a slim seven-point lead heading into the final event, the 200 free relay. Shayla King, Madison Burns, McKee and Ginnis put together a solid showing to win with a time of 1:35.45 and secure the meet win for the Lobos.
It’s the first of three consecutive days of competition in Colorado for UNM. The Lobos travel south to face Air Force on Friday at 5 p.m. MT. The meet will be streamed live on Campus Insiders and the Mountain West Network, and a link can be found at GoLobos.com.
Lobos Victorious in Season Opener at CSU
