Boise State, New Mexico, Seattle vs. Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, November 7. THE Utah women's swimming and diving team went undefeated at home on Saturday at Ute Natatorium when it hosted New Mexico, Boise State and Seattle. The final scores for the meet were Utah over Boise State, 162–137, Utah against Seattle, 234-53, and Utah against New Mexico, 216-83. The Utah men also earned a win by finishing ahead of Seattle, 186.5-87.5.

"The women's team have a tough season ahead of them, but they are learning to be tough," said Utah head coach Greg Winslow. "Last week, they swam well against UNLV and today the beat a strong Boise State team. On paper those teams look better than us, but we are finding ways to win and it keeps building our confidence for the rest of the season."

The Utah women started out slow, finishing second in the 200 medley relay behind Boise State as well as falling short in the 1000 free. The Utes made up for it later by winning eight of the day's 16 events. Sophomore Hannah Caron (Raleigh, N.C.) got the first win for the Utes, finishing first in the 200 free with her time of 1:53.06. Senior Beth Gunderson (Portland, Ore.) and junior Maiya Otsuka (Littleton, Colo.) immediately followed with wins in the 100 back (58.82) and the 100 breast (1:06.90), respectively.

Otsuka led the Utes with three individual first-place finishes on the day, finishing first in the 200 breast (2:21.55) and dramatically out-touching the competition in the 400 IM (4:34.89). Caron won two individual events overall, also finishing first in the 100 fly (56.11).

Junior Kwan Ling Yu (Yuen Long, Hong Kong) qualified for the NCAA Zone Regional meet, and got career highs with her scores in both the 1-meter and 3-meter dive. Yu finished first in the 3-meter with her score of 308.35 and was second in the 1-meter with a score of 273.70.

Other notable performances: junior Natalie Edge (South Jordan, Utah) finished first in the 50 free (24.21) and second in the 100 free (52.23), freshman Danielle Caldwell (Phoenix, Ariz.) out-touched Boise State for the win in the 200 back (2:06.62), freshman Kayla Buck (Folsom, Calif.) finished second in the 1000 free (10:41.44) and Caron took second in the 200 fly (2:08.05).

"I've worked with Boise State head coach Kristen [Hill] before and she is a good coach. They have done a great job recruiting and it shows in their improvement from last season," said Winslow. "Boise State came here undefeated and I'm glad the women could step up and get the win."

"Maiya [Otsuka] continues to be great for us. Natalie Edge was also fantastic today, beating a very good Boise State sprinter," said Winslow. "Beth Gunderson also had a breakthrough meet. She's been battling the flu and to see her come back from that and win the 100 back was amazing."

The Utah men finished first in 14 of 16 events overall. Senior John Baque (Olympia, Wash.) was the top finisher in three events for the day, finishing first in the 100 breast (58.68), the 200 breast (2:08.20) and the 100 fly (52.12). Sophomore Eric Bonicelli (Overland Park, Kan.) finished first in two individual events, the 200 fly (1:55.03) and the 400 IM (4:10.98). Freshman Ryan Hansen (Pewaukee, Wis.) also finished first in two events, the 1000 free (9:47.18) and the 500 free (4:41.63).

Other notable finishes: sophomore Eric Murray (Woodstock, Ga.) finished first in the 200 free (1:44.38), freshman Andy Lamb finished first in the 100 back (53.43), freshman Karson Applin (Houston, Texas) finished first in the 100 free (48.48) and sophomore Major Robinson (Missoula, Mont.) was first in the 200 back (1:55.52).

"I was really impressed with Eric [Bonicelli]," said Winslow. "He swam for a season-best time in the 200 fly today. I'm glad to see him break through this season and move forward."

"The men are getting a taste of winning and it's good to see them enjoy it. It's good to see them smiling and having fun throughout the meet," said Winslow.

The Utes compete next at the Nike Cup in Long Beach, Calif., Nov. 19-21.

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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