Diving Seals Northern Arizona’s Title at WAC Championships

WAC Championships; Photo Courtesy: Susan Foster

Northern Arizona wrapped up the team title at the split WAC Championships, with the diving competition ending last Saturday. The swim and dive portions of the men’s and women’s meets were held separately for social-distancing reasons.

NAU held an 8.5-point lead over New Mexico State after the swimming portion, but the Lumberjacks opened up the margin to triple digits with three diving wins.

WAC Championships Team Scores

Northern Arizona University 740
New Mexico State University 619
Grand Canyon University 509.5
University of Northern Colorado 504.5
California Baptist University 436
University of Idaho 422
Dixie State University 250
Seattle University 165

Northern Arizona sealed the win by capturing all three diving golds. Victoria Knapp prevailed in the one-meter and three-meter events. Teammates Jennifer Cheetham and Alyssa Jones, respectively, were second in those events. Emily Luberto, who made it three from NAU in the top five in the one-meter, went on to win platform ahead of California Baptist’s Kiree Lowe.

Northern Arizona solidified its lead on the final day of the swimming competition with three victories. Francesca Criscione won the 1,650 freestyle to compound a triumph in the 500 free and a bronze in the 400 individual medley. Hope Williams doubled up on breaststroke gold by winning the 200, a day after prevailing in the 100. Maddie Seidl added a victory in the 200 butterfly. Teammate Maddy Rey tied for second in the 200 fly to go with second in the 400 IM and third in the 500 free plus a leg on the winning 800 free relay.

Annie Carlton, winner of the 200 free, anchored NAU’s winning 800 free and 400 medley relays.

New Mexico State’s Maude Boily-Dufour was the only other double individual winner of the championships, claiming the 100 and 200 backstroke, and the only Aggies winner of the meet. She was also third in the 100 fly.

Northern Colorado was led by Madelyn Moore, who anchored the victorious 400 free relay to a come-from-behind victory. She also won the 50 free and 100 free titles and third in the 100 back.

Grand Canyon won the 200 free and 200 medley relays with the foursome of Emily Muteti (100 fly champ), Claire Banic (50 free and 100 free runner-up), Briana Rittenbach and Kaitlyn Carr.

California Baptist, in fifth, got silver medals from Rebecca Oviedo in the 500 free and 200 free.

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Tony

3 years ago

Madelyn Moore of Northern Colorado won both the 50 and 100 freestyle

Anicia Criscione

3 years ago

Franny was the anchor in 800 FR relay.