HOUSTON, Texas (2/15/23) – The University of Wyoming swimming and diving team embarked on its Mountain West Conference Championships journey Wednesday. While only three finals events were contested, the Cowgirls made a strong first impression inside CRWC Natatorium.

"The first day was really all about our divers," head coach Dave Denniston said. "All four scored points and Ali made the A flight. Our relays also did a fantastic job. We narrowly missed the school record in the 800 free relay, but Maisyn Klimczak anchored with a phenomenal split. Our medley relay also moved up in the ranking and showed the team it's going to be a fun, fast week of racing."

Wyoming is currently third as a team, having compiled 154 points. San Diego State leads with 223 points and Nevada is in second with 211 points. 

The 200-yard medley relay team got things started Wednesday evening. The team of Emily Giles, Carly Palmer, Sydney McKenzie and Mikayla Moore placed fifth with a time of 1:40.28, more than two seconds faster than its seed time.  

Alicia Gonzalez kept the good times going. She took seventh in the 1-meter event with a final score of 284.05.

As mentioned, Wyoming's other three divers, Gabriella Haigler, Natalie Six and Nettie Knapton all tallied points. Haigler placed 13 after accumulating 259.70 points, while Six and Knapton took 15th and 24th , respectively, with scores of 253.00 and 201.70.  

The 800-freestyle relay team ended Day 1 with a come-from-behind third-place finish. The collection Carly Palmer, Brooke Ford, Kali Franckowiak and Klimczak clocked in at 7:15.92.

The championships continue Thursday with preliminary races of the 500-yard freestyle at 9:30 a.m.