ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico women’s swimming and diving team is set to open its 2019-20 season on Friday as it heads to Fresno, Calif. for the Chick-Fil-A Invitational hosted by Fresno State on Friday, Oct. 11 through Saturday, Oct. 12.
The Lobos will be among six teams competing at the Chick-Fil-A Invitational, including three Mountain West teams and two PAC-12 teams. Fellow Mountain West contenders include Fresno State, San Diego State and San José State while the PAC-12 squads consist of Washington State and Cal.
Live stats will be available both days and will be accessible HERE.
Last season the Lobos took on Washington State at the Phill Hansel Invitational where UNM posted a strong showing, racking up nearly 300 more points than the Cougars. The meet was highlighted by divers Jocelyn Gallais and Natasha Dark who finished second and third in the platform diving, respectively.
Among the Mountain West teams competing, the Lobos finished fourth last season at the 2019 Mountain West Championships while Fresno State finished fifth and San José State finished eighth. Claiming the title was San Diego State.
This season UNM returns three 2019 All-Mountain West student-athletes including senior Natasha Dark, junior Matea Sumajstorcic, as well as standout sophomore Hedda Øritsland. Dark enters her senior season competing for the Lobos after earning All-Mountain West honors in the 1-meter last season while also qualifying for the NCAA Zone Championships. Dark also shares the honor of 2019-20 team captain with fellow senior Breanna Wiercinski.
Junior Sumajstorcic is also coming off an impressive season after she broke two UNM program records at the Mountain West Championships in the 400 individual medley and in the 800 freestyle relay.
Øritsland returns in 2019-20 after notching 15 first-place finishes in her inaugural season as a Lobo, piloting the team to five regular-season wins.
Following the Chick-Fil-A Invitational, the Lobos will travel to Flagstaff, Ariz. to compete against Northern Arizona on Nov. 1. The Lobos will then conclude the fall season in Dallas, Texas where they will compete in the SMU Invitational (Nov. 21-23).
Competition at the Chick-Fil-A Invitational will convene on Friday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. MT with a second session at 7 p.m. MT. Saturday’s competition will commence at 11 a.m. MT.
Be sure to follow UNM Women’s Swimming and Diving on Twitter and Instagram to stay up-to-date throughout the season.