Fresno State falls to Nevada 177-123

Saturday, October 29

Fresno, Calif.

12 p.m. PT

Fresno State

123

177

Nevada

Fresno State falls to Nevada 177-123

10/29/2016 2:45:00 PM | Swimming & Diving

By: Taylor Martinez / Communications Intern

FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State hosted reigning Mountain West Champion Nevada in their first dual meet of the 2016-17 season. The Bulldogs fell to the Wolf Pack 177-123, Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs were led by freshman Manuela Mendolicchio and Sophomore Ugne Mazutaityte.

Head Coach Jeanne Fleck was pleased with her team's performance and the way they battled through the adversity of injuries and illnesses.

"We raced Nevada really well today," said Fleck "We were missing a few key swimmers due to illnesses and injuries. Despite the setbacks I'm happy with the way we competed against the reigning conference champions."

Freshman Natalia Nienaltowska had her first collegiate first place finish in the 1000 Freestyle with a time of 10:28.73. Followed by Vanessa Dugan (10:43.12) in second place and Emily Niles (10:43.66) in third place.

"We had a lot of kids step up today," Fleck said. "Natalia Nienaltowska had an awesome meet for us today. She was great in the 1000 Freestyle and 200 Butterfly."
Nienaltowska also placed second in the 200 Butterfly (2:07.29).

Freshman Manuela Mendolicchio remains undefeated in the 100 Breaststroke (1:04.05) and 200 Breaststroke (2:16.72) this season. She finished first in both events for the third consecutive meet.

Sophomore Ugne Mazutaityte remains undefeated in the 200 Backstroke this season, finishing in first (1:59.51) for the third consecutive meet. Mazutaityte also had a second place finish in the 100 Backstroke.

As for the 50 Freestyle, Hannah Jarvis and Katelin Britton tied for third place with a time of 24.42.

Fresno State 400 Medley Relay team of Mazutaityte, Mendolicchio, Gabbie Libang and Katelin Britton finished second with a time of 3:51.60.

Katelin Britton placed third in the 100 Freestyle (53.45) followed by Kali Conlon in fourth place (55.16).

In the 100 Butterfly, Gabbie Libang took third place (59.02) followed by Esme Gullick in fourth (59.24).

As for the 200 IM, Mendolicchio placed third with a time of 2:09.09.

Fresno State's 200 Freestyle Relay Team of Jarvis, Britton, Conlon and Ally Short finished second with a time of 1:37.54.

"It's early in the season and we are making strides but we need to keep improving," Fleck said.

Senior diver Shelbie Holden led the Bulldogs on both boards. Holden placed second on the 1 Meter (282.30) and third place on the 3 Meter (288.68).

Freshman Serena Sedilllo took fourth place on the 3 Meter (277.73) and sophomore transfer Kelli Funk took fourth place on the 1 Meter (268.73).

"Our divers did really well today," said head diving coach Taryn Patrick. "All three of them were consistent and two qualified for NCAA Zone Diving."

Shelbie Holden's scores qualified for NCAA Zone Diving on both boards. Kelli Funk qualified for NCAA Zone Diving on the 1 Meter.

Fresno State swimmers will host UOP, UC Santa Cruz and Fresno Pacific on Nov. 12 at p.m. PT in the Aquatics Complex, while the Bulldog divers travel to Southern California to compete in the USC Diving Invitational Nov. 11-12.

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