Both the men’s and women’s swim and dive teams competed Saturday at the Southwest Valley Family YMCA in Arizona against Grand Canyon and New Mexico State. The BYU women’s team won its meet, while the men’s team finished second, behind Grand Canyon.
The BYU women defeated New Mexico State with a score of 158.50–140.5 and beat Grand Canyon 173.50–125.5. The men’s team lost to Grand Canyon 163.50–136.50.
Many Cougars stood out at the meet — BYU claimed first place in seven events. These and other strong performances pleased BYU head coach John Brooks, especially with the competing teams performing well.
“I’m honored that Grand Canyon University would swim fast and wear tech suits against BYU,” said Brooks. “On the men’s side, all of our returned missionaries and freshmen are really getting into the swing of things and are swimming well. For our women’s team, Katie Smith, Zerlynn Tiang, Brenna Dickson and Kelly Hatanaka all had great meets as well.”
In the diving events, BYU secured both first place finishes in the 3-meter dive from athletes Ali Tippetts-Kottcamp and Kevin Dreesen. The performances in this meet reflected the Cougars’ hard work and preparation.
“After our training trip and a little time off, we were really geared up and prepared to battle,” BYU head diving coach Tyce Routson said. “Jordan Tuckfield has been working hard and got his cut for NCAA Zone Diving Championships on the 1-meter board … We are now looking forward to preparing for the rest of the season.”
Both the men’s and women’s swim and dive teams will be on the road again Friday and Saturday to compete against Denver and Minnesota. The meet will be held at the El Pomar Matatorium in Denver, Colorado.
