NMSU Crimson Wins Intrasquad Swim Meet
by NMSU Athletics
LAS CRUCES, N.M.-The New Mexico State swimming and diving team began the 2009-10 season with the annual intrasquad meet, and the Crimson team defeated the White team, 50-36, Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the NM State Natatorium in Las Cruces, N.M.
“I think overall we had some amazing efforts,” head coach Rick Pratt said. “It’s tough to put three races in an hour together, but everyone was positive and had a lot of fun. They really embraced the intrasquad meet.”
The Crimson crew stared the meet with a win in the 200-medley relay with the team of freshman Morgan Kimminau, sophomore Maria Spies, senior Bonnie Taylor and junior Kelly Conrad.
Senior Liz Thomson set the pace with a win in the 500 free for the Crimson team. Sophomore Brittney Moore followed in second for the White squad as sophomore Ana Smith was third for the Crimson. Additionally, Thomson posted the best time in the 200 free.
In the sprint freestyle events, junior Kelly Conrad led the way with a sweep of the 50 and 100 free for the Crimson. Sophomore Gina Palombit, of the White team, collected second in the 50 free and third in the 100 free. For the White squad, freshman Eryn Murphy finished third in the 50 free, while junior Kelly Runestrand touched second in the 100 free.
Freshman Beth Cate claimed top honors in the 200 individual medley as Kimminau followed with a second-place showing for the Crimson crew. Senior Victoria Eickerman won the 100 butterfly for the White. Cate and Taylor answered for the Crimson in second and third place, respectively.
Senior Meghann Percy led the way for the White team with a victory in the 100 back, and Spies continued her control of the 100 breast. Percy, senior Tessa Bain, Moore and Palombit gave the White team the win in the 200-free relay to conclude the meet.
The Aggies open the season at the WAC Shoot-Out in San Jose, Calif., Oct. 9-10.
