The UNM Swimming and Diving team opened its 2026-27 season with its annual Cherry-Silver Intrasquad meet at Seidler Natatorium on Saturday, Sept. 19. The exhibition gave the Lobos an early opportunity to race in a competitive setting before the beginning of the regular season, with the Silver team edging Cherry 53-47.
Newcomer Elsa Reel was one of Silver’s strongest performers, winning both the 50- and 150-yard breaststroke events. Sophia Corder also earned two individual victories for Silver, taking the 50- and 150-yard butterfly. Reel and Corder later teamed with Arianna Stokes and Maya Cansler to win the 200-yard medley relay.
Cherry answered with several strong individual performances of its own. Newcomer Liv O’Mahony won both the 150-yard freestyle and 100-yard individual medley, while Olivia Hann captured the 300-yard freestyle in a close finish. Veteran Alex McGill added another victory for Cherry in the 150-yard backstroke.
The diving events were split between the two teams, with Silver taking the 1-meter competition and Cherry winning the 3-meter. Cherry also closed the meet by winning the 200-yard freestyle relay, but the late push was not enough to overcome Silver’s lead.
Although times from the exhibition were not official, the meet served as an early test for both returning swimmers and newcomers as UNM prepares for the regular season. Silver’s victory also marked its fourth consecutive win in the annual Cherry-Silver intrasquad series.
The Lobos are scheduled to return to competition Oct. 10 at Seidler Natatorium for a home meet against North Texas.
George Slad is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @SladGeorge
