by Matthew Kappus
Daily Lobo
The UNM swimming and diving team planned to give its departing members a victory in its home
finale.
However, the visiting Utah Utes were unwilling to make any concessions on UNM's Senior Day.
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Jenna Syverson, Kelly Soldow, Jen Hale and Joanna Garcia competed Saturday at Seidler Natatorium in front of their home crowd for the last time.
Despite a strong team effort in the 200-meter freestyle relay and big wins in individual events, the Lobos, 5-5 overall and 2-4 in the Mountain West Conference, couldn't come away with the victory, falling to Utah 135-100.
UNM needed a win Saturday to break even in conference play after losing to the Texas Christian Horned Frogs 132-97 on Friday.
The Lobos were on a two-month hiatus from competition before the meets, and Lobo head coach Tracy Ljone said it was a challenge to get the team back in stride.
"It was a tough weekend," Ljone said. "I thought we had some really good swims and some average swims."
Utah holds 12-of-9 record times in MWC swimming events.
One reason the Utes have been so dominant this year is because of swimmer Amber Walter. On Saturday, Walter showed why she was named the 2006 MWC Swimmer of the Year.
The senior won all her events this weekend, taking the 50-yard freestyle in 23.68, 100-yard freestyle in 52.25 and assisted in Utah's 200-yard medley relay win, finishing with a time of 1:47.41.
There were some great individual performances by the Lobos, as well. Sophomore Carrie Quinn won the 1- and 3-meter springboard competitions against TCU and got another victory in the 1-meter springboard against Utah.
Ashley Grisdale continued her outstanding freshman year at UNM with a win in the 200-yard butterfly with a time of 2:07.13 against TCU and another win in the 1,000-yard freestyle in 10:54.27 against Utah.
Tori Clarridge added to the Lobo point total, winning the 100-yard backstroke in 58.98.
Andrea Zarins had the best time in the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:09.04 and also took the 200-yard breaststroke in 2:26.01. She went on to win the 500-yard freestyle in 5:14.02 against TCU.
Ljone said she lauded all four seniors for their hard work and leadership.
Diving coach Abel Sanchez said Garcia is a dedicated athlete.
"She is one of the hardest workers to step into a UNM swimsuit," he said.
Going into its last swim meets of the regular season, Syverson said the team is right where it needs
to be.
"Everyone is showing improvement," Syverson said. "I think we are going to do really well."
Swimming and diving vs.
NMSU
Friday, 5 p.m.
Las Cruces
