Hepfer Qualifies For Both Finals at Diving Invitational

Flagstaff, Ariz. – The University of New Mexico’s divers, representing the rest of the Lobos’ swimming and diving program, wrapped up their appearance at the Northern Arizona Diving Invitational on Saturday in Flagstaff, Ariz.. Junior Kristen Hepfer was the only Lobo to qualify for – and participate in – the finals off both the 3-meter board and the 1-meter board.

On Friday, Hepfer qualified for the 3-meter diving finals by scoring 230.80 points in prelims. In the finals, she finished with an 18th-place 451.15 points.

The 1-meter diving event took place on Saturday, which had Hepfer qualifying for finals in that event as well. She scored 239.25 points in prelims and 485.15 points in the finals to take 15th place for the Lobos.

Three more Lobos competed in the prelims for both events over the weekend at NAU.

Freshman Melissa Venzon scored 189.25 points in the 3-meter diving prelims and 196.60 points in the 1-meter diving prelims, freshman Abigail Bouravnev scored 184.55 off the 3-meter board and 132.40 off the 1-meter board, and senior Vivian Spates scored 160.40 and 149.70 in the two events, respectively.

New Mexico’s divers will be re-joining the rest of the swimming and diving team for their next competition, an appearance at the end-of-season Mountain West Conference Championships meet. The meet will take place in Houston, Tex., from Feb. 15-18.