Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
UC Davis/San Jose State
Divers Reach New Heights
1/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Jan. 10, 2009
Complete Release in PDF Format 
FRESNO, Calif. -
The Fresno State swimming and diving team kicked off the new year Saturday afternoon in a double dual meet against the Aggies of UC Davis and WAC rival San Jose State. The Bulldogs earned a slew of lifetime bests in individual swimming and diving events.
"We had a good meet today," said head coach Jeanne Fleck. "The girls were tired from intensive training but they are learning how to race."
Junior Mary Tess Taylor (Granite Bay, Calif.) shined in the 100 and 200 breaststroke events, finishing 1:11.15 and 2:32.96 in each race. Sophomore Rebecca Atchley (Porterville, Calif.) and junior Rebecca Strmiska (Fresno, Calif.) earned bests in every event they participated in.
"Mary Tess did great," said Fleck. "Sophomore Stephanie Hatayama also earned a lifetime best in the 200 freestyle finishing 2:04.86."
All four divers showcased strength and improvement on the board, earning best marks in the 1-meter and 3-meter events.
"They did so well," said head diving coach Taryn Ignacio. "When they are on the board they relax and focus as if there is no one else there."
Junior Kendra Weeks (Folsom, Calif.) earned a top three finish on the 1-meter, earning a best mark of 199.80, leading teammates Blair Hopkins, Jillian Mason and Jaime Krause to their best finishes of the season on the 1-meter and 3-meter. Hopkins placed third in the 3-meter with a score of 204.40.
"I have seen so much improvement," said Ignacio. "The girls are gaining so much confidence since we've gotten our new trampoline, pulleys and belts for training."
Both teams continue action in the Valley Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009 against southern rival Cal State Bakersfield at 1 p.m.
"We will improve next weekend," said Fleck. "We really encourage everyone to come out and support the team and the program."
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Fresno State swimming and diving team brings the action to the Valley Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009 at Cal State Bakersfield at 1 p.m.
Players Mentioned
