Gomez Takes Sixth in 1-Meter Springboard at MW Championships

HOUSTON, Texas — Isabella Gomez set a PR with a 291.70 in what turned into a terrific championship round with divers from six schools one-upping each other, finishing sixth in her first Mountain West Championship event.  Gomez was one of four Lobos to score in the 1-meter springboard to pace day one of the championships, hosted by the league at the University of Houston.

Day one was the lightest of four event days with just three events, the 1-meter springboard, the 800-yard freestyle relay and the 200-yard medley relay.  It was the springboard where UNM shined.  Gomez posted a 279.25 to qualify fifth overall and advance into the championship round, and then she posted well over that with her 291.70, topping her season-high in the event by over 11 points.  That previous best was at the Phil Hansell Invitational, held at the same pool.  Her score in the final round would have been good for third in the prelims, but three divers broke 300, led by MW champion Bailey Heydra of Nevada.

Arianna Pelligra and Alice English matched the improvement of Gomez in the consolation final.  Pelligra scored 250.45 to sit 14th overall, and she eventually finished 15th, scoring 262.35 in the consolation final. English was at 249.85 and then posted the highest improvement in the consolation final, scoring 277.45 to move all the way to 11th.  UNM also scored as Zoe Rinon finished 24th at 210.05.

In the 200-yard freestyle relay, UNM finished ninth as Jordan Foster, Emily Ford, Sophia Corder and Arianna Stokes turned in a 1:41.50.  In the 800-yard freestyle, Corder this time had the opening leg, followed by Daniela Medina, Ellie Broughton and Layni Andrle turned in a time of 7:37.18 for 10th place.

Overall, UNM has 127 points to sit in sixth place in the 10-team league.  San Diego State has 184 points to lead the championships in looking for their sixth title in seven years.