HOUSTON – The New Mexico State swimming and diving team placed second at the WAC Championships on Saturday. The team scored a cumulative 551 points to finish runners-up to NAU. Head coach Rick Pratt was also named the Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year on the women's side after a trailblazing weekend for the Aggies.

"Today was another exciting couple sessions for our team," Pratt said. "We really fought hard until the end and I'm really proud of our team and staff. Our miles today were outstanding and for senior Natalie French to come from behind to come in third in her last meet was inspiring for everyone. We had three individuals final in the 200 back which gave us a big boost in points to place us in second. We spent the rest of the session fighting to hold that spot and really showed up when it mattered. Our team responded to the pressure of that situation and it was very impressive to dig in like that. With only five point ahead it came down to the relay and Picabo, Sina, Ruby and Johanna had some gutsy swims to finish off a great meet."

Natalie French swam an impressive race in the 1650-yard freestyle. The senior clocked in at 17:00.17 for third place. Picabo Bender placed sixth in the event with a time of 17:05.21.

Johanna Petersson also found herself on the podium as the freshman clocked in at 1:59.31 for third place in the 200-yard backstroke. In fourth was Alix Knagg, who finished with a time of 2:00.03.

Another top performance came from Lauren Wood who finished third in the 200-yard breaststroke. The sophomore claimed the event bronze with a time of 2:14.24.

The NM State 400 yard freestyle relay took fourth. The team composed of Bender, Sina Wegel, Ruby Rodriguez and Petersson combined for a time of 3:25.31.

This is the third consecutive year the Aggies have placed second at the WAC Swimming and Diving Championships.