DENVER, Colo. — The University of New Mexico women’s swimming and diving team fell to the University of Denver on Friday in their season-opening dual meet, with a final score of 136 to 105.
Despite the loss, the Lobos had many strong finishes in the event including 16 top-three finishes, six of which were wins, in 13 events. Leading the way was junior Adriana Palomino, who had a hand in three of the Lobos’ wins on the day. Palomino won both the 200-yard freestyle (1:52.01) and the 500-yard freestyle (4:58.36) while also being a part of the teams that won the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:34.70) and placed second in the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:30.67).
Freshman Matea Sumajstorcic had an impressive debut for UNM, finishing in third in two events, including the 400-yard individual medley (4:35.19) and the 500-yard freestyle (5:03.70). Sumajstorcic was also a member of the 400-yard freestyle relay team with Palomino (2nd, 3:30.67).
The Lobos’ other standout performers were senior Madison Burns and junior Konoda Shinada, who had a combined six top-three finishes. Both swimmers were members of the second-place 200-yard medley relay team (1:44.99) and the winning 200-yard freestyle relay team along with Palomino and sophomore Talia Passarelli (1:34.70). Individually, Burns posted a second-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle (23.63) and won the 100-yard freestyle (52.31), while Shinada finished second in the 100-yard butterfly (55.56) and won the 50-yard freestyle (23.57).
“Our goal was to go out and race hard,” head swimming coach Dorsey Tierney-Walker said. “We had a lot of people swimming their better events, but we also had some swimmers that were in events that they weren’t used to. We have a smaller team this year. Some people stepped up, specifically in relays. I’m very happy with those performances. I’m pleased with the effort and pleased with the racing.
“For our first meet, the execution was pretty good and it gives the coaching staff an idea of what to work on and what to improve on, especially since we get to race again tomorrow.
“In terms of individual highlights, Burns’ performances were great to see in her first meet of her senior year, and she gave one of the better relay performances today. Carol De Groote Tavares gave some clutch relay performances and she had one of her best in-season 100-yard back strokes. I’m also really excited about Palomino after seeing her progress through the summer, and it will exciting to see where she goes.”
The diving team also had strong performances with freshman Hannah Tiendas finishing second (233.85) and junior Madeline Horner finishing third (232.58) in the one-meter dive, while sophomore Valencia McDonald finished third in the three-meter dive for a personal-best score of 242.40. The highlight of the day was from junior Allyson Concepcion, who won the three-meter dive (258.98).
“I was very pleased with the team today,” head diving coach Julie Weddle said. “They showed some really great attributes. I was really excited with Allyson’s performance, and all of the girls dove really well. I’m excited for what the year will bring.
“I also want to recognize freshman Hannah Tiendas for finishing second in the one-meter dive, and we’re looking forward to the competition tomorrow and getting in tower training after Air Force. We don’t have a tower at home, but we still have to compete on them, so it definitely takes extra courage to go out and compete on one.”
The swimming and diving team are back in action tomorrow, Saturday, October 14 at Air Force Academy starting at 10 a.m. For the live video feed, click here.
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