FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.  – Despite competing in just one regular-season meet, the New Mexico State swimming and diving team finished second at Western Athletic Conference Championships following the final session of WAC Diving Championships at the Wall Aquatic Center in Flagstaff, Ariz.
 
"Today was a solid day for the girls on platform," said diving coach Miranda King. "The girls have had a limited number of days training platform this year and Taylor learned her platform list for this event one week ago. Both girls made consolation finals against a field where most of the diver's train platform at least one day a week. It was a great event for the girls to end the WAC Championships as they were able to relax a little more and not worry too much about pressure as they had limited training time on the event. They both got up there with smiles on their faces and were able to enjoy the event together as teammates and knowing that people at home were cheering them on. I am so proud of these girls and the way they have fought through all the many challenges this year and how they were able to come together for this last competition and last event. Taylor was able to finish strong in her last collegiate event and I am so thankful she did it as an Aggie. I am looking forward to what Italia can do next season as well as the divers we have joining us in the fall!"
 
Today, the Aggie diving duo of Taylor Jackson and Italia Aranzabal took part in the platform competition. Both Aggies qualified for the consolation final where Aranzabal finished second and Jackson finished fifth.
 
After the swimmers positioned NM State in second place, Jackson and Aranzabal held the Aggies steady to finish second behind eight-time defending champion Northern Arizona. Prior to WAC Championships NM State competed in just one meet, at Arizona on Jan. 30.
 
"I am very proud of our divers during the WAC Championship meet," said head coach Rick Pratt. "It's been an extremely challenging year for many reasons.  Our training conditions were not ideal, but Taylor and Italia made do with what they had to work with. It was difficult to not have the team there in person but we look forward to being on deck with them again soon. With the total points in it will be the highest total that our program has ever achieved in the WAC Championship meet.  The future is bright for our program and the challenges we face together this season will only make is better and stronger as a program.  Our goal is to win the WAC and we took great strides this season to reach that goal.  I am proud of our athletes and staff and look forward to getting back to work soon."
 
At least week's WAC Swimming Championships in St. George, Utah, Maude Boily-Dufour swept the backstroke events. She set a school record while capturing gold in the 100 Back (54.04) while her 1:57.65 in the 200 Back was also good enough for a first-place finish.
 
NM State posted its highest point total ever at WAC Championships.
 
 
Full Standings
1. Northern Arizona                                   740
2. NM State                                                619
3. GCU                                                       509.5
4. Northern Colorado                                 504.5
5. California Baptist                                    436
6. Idaho                                                       422
7. Dixie State                                               250
8. Seattle U                                                  165
 
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