COLORADO SPRINGS – The University of Denver Swimming and Diving teams got some good performances behind
Jessica Maeda and
Brandon Chapman at the Rocky Mountain Invitational on Friday and Saturday. The Pioneers finished third on both the men's and women's sides of the quad meet against Air Force, Louisiana State and Wyoming.
On the men's side, Denver picked up a head-to-head win over Wyoming (187.50-165.50) but lost to the Falcons (187-166) and the Tigers (240.50-112.50).
Chapman had it going, capturing four wins (200 fly vs. LSU, 200 fly vs. Wyoming, 200 fly vs. Air Force, 100 fly vs. Wyoming) and finishing runner-up twice (100 fly vs. LSU, 100 fly vs. Air Force).
The women picked up their lone head-to-head win against the Falcons (203-150) but fell to Wyoming (179.50-173.50) and Louisiana State (233-120).
Maeda kept up her strong start to the season, recording seven wins (100 breast vs. LSU, 100 breast vs. Wyoming, 100 breast vs. Air Force, 200 breast vs. LSU, 200 breast vs. Wyoming, 200 breast vs. Air Force, 200 IM vs. Wyoming) and two second-place finishes (200 IM vs. Air Force, 200 IM vs. LSU).
On the diving side, the Pioneers got good performances from
Ammar Hassan and
Zora Opalka.
Hassan for the day: 1M (329.55) 3rd vs LSU, 1st vs WYO & AFA, Zone Qualifying score. 3M (348.70) 3rd vs. LSU, 1st vs. Wyoming and Air Force, Zone Qualifying score.
"Ammar dove really consistently, he performed dives at a higher level than I've seen at practice which was great to see," head coach
Aaron D'Addario said. "Jon and Nathan were consistent in their initial college diving competitions, especially considering LSU has a top 5 finisher at NCAA's last year on 1M and 3M, he also competed at the Olympics this past summer."
Opalka for the day: - 1M (235.55) 5th vs LSU & WYO, 3rd vs. AFA. 3M (262.90) 4th vs LSU, 3rd vs. WYO, 2nd vs AFA
"Zora was consistent and confident on platform today," D'Addario said. "She had some great takeoffs, and vertical entries. She broke a school record her first day on platform in five months.
"The women had some great moments and applied lessons from CSU," D'Addario added. "Maya missed one dive on 1M, was close to a great performance. Zora was one point better on 3m than at CSU. They also competed against an Olympian and multiple NCAA scorers.
"The weekend was a great opportunity to learn more about where we are at while performing against several Tokyo Olympians. The divers kept their composure and dealt with adversity during the competition."
Denver return home to host the Denver Invite on Nov. 5-6.
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