On a day when the University of New Mexico swimming and diving team celebrated the careers of its three seniors – Shayla King, Lauren Tininenko andKristin Walker – the Lobos dominated their Rio Grande Rivals, New Mexico State, by a score of 153-142. The win clinched the Rio Grande Rivalry for UNM for the ninth straight season, which is every season the trophy has been in existence.
"Our kids did everything they could to help us win today," UNM head coach Kunio Konosaid. "I saw a lot of personal bests and season bests today. A lot of girls are very happy today, and I'm excited for them. I think in my four years here this is one of our best performances."
Despite it being Senior Day at Seidler Natatorium, several Lobo freshmen came through with outstanding performances. Adriana Palomino won both the 1,000 free and the 200 free back-to-back. Carol De Groote Tavares and Emily Huffer won the 100 back and 200 fly, respectively. Sophomore Deidra Dorough won the 200 back with a time of 2:04.59, while junior Emily McGill claimed first in the 400 IM in 4:28.65.
However, in the end it was a senior, Tininenko, who had the best day of her career to help the Lobos to victory. She claimed first in both the 50 free and 100 free with times of 24.13 and 52.79, respectively.
"Shayla, Lauren and Kristin all swam very well today," Kono said. "Shayla and Lauren both turned in personal bests. Those three girls are our leaders. They are the heart and soul of this team, and they did an amazing job."
The divers had just as good a day as the swimmers, as freshman Allyson Concepcion won both the 1-meter and 3-meter events. Her scores of 273.53 and 280.20 in those events, respectively, both of which made the cut for NCAA Zone qualifying.
The win helps propel the Lobos towards the Mountain West Championships in two and a half weeks with some momentum.
"We have two and a half weeks to go," said Kono. "The hard work is done so now we just have to rest up. We need to tweak some tiny details and then rest, rest, rest and we should be good to go."
