HOUSTON – The Grand Canyon Lopes finished 10th at the Mountain West Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships, a meet highlighted by school records and a standout performance from sophomore Taylor Stasny. San Diego State claimed the team title, followed by Washington State. While the Lopes didn’t contend for the top spot, the championships provided a platform for individual achievements and a glimpse into the program’s growing potential. The focus now shifts to postseason opportunities for several GCU swimmers and divers, including a potential NCAA Championships invitation for Stasny.
Stasny’s performance in the 200-yard breaststroke was the clear highlight of the week for Grand Canyon. The Dyer, Indiana, native finished sixth in the event with a GCU-record time of 2 minutes, 10.9 seconds. This time surpassed the NCAA B cut, placing her under consideration for an invitation to the NCAA Championships. The NCAA Championships automatic qualifier is awarded only to the event champion, meaning Stasny will await the committee’s decision. This Swimcloud profile details Stasny’s impressive results and progression.
Lopes Showcase Depth in Butterfly Events
Beyond Stasny’s standout swim, GCU’s senior Paula Martinez Moreno demonstrated consistent excellence throughout the championships. Martinez Moreno advanced to the championship heats in both the 100-yard butterfly (54.38) and the 200-yard butterfly (2:00.30), securing two of the Lopes’ top individual finishes. Her performances underscored GCU’s growing strength in the butterfly events at the conference level. Martinez Moreno’s consistent presence in the A-finals demonstrates her dedication and skill, contributing valuable points to the team’s overall score.
Strong Relay Performances and Lifetime Bests
Relays proved to be another area of strength for the Lopes, with several impactful performances. GCU’s best relay finish came in the 400 medley relay, where Beth Young delivered a school-record split of 1:00.47 on the breaststroke leg. This impressive split helped elevate the Lopes’ overall relay scoring. Sara Mendoza also contributed significantly, achieving lifetime bests in both the 200-yard freestyle (1:49.22) and her split in the 800-yard freestyle relay (1:48.21). These individual improvements highlight the dedication and hard work of the GCU swimmers.
Diving and Sprint Contributions
The Lopes also saw success on the diving boards and in the sprint events. Brooke Woeslaw contributed 12 points to the team total with her performance in platform diving. Katelyn Huffman posted a lifetime-best time of 23.16 seconds in the 50-yard freestyle, matching her time in both the preliminary and final rounds. Luna Ayala also qualified for the NIC Championships with a qualifying time in the 50-yard butterfly, extending the Lopes’ postseason representation beyond the Mountain West Championships.
Looking Ahead to Postseason Competition
The Grand Canyon swimming and diving team now looks ahead to the Zone E Diving Championships in Flagstaff, Arizona, and the CSCAA National Invitational Championships in Ocala, Florida. These events will provide additional opportunities for Lopes athletes to showcase their skills and compete against some of the top swimmers and divers in the nation. The team’s performance at the Mountain West Championships provides a solid foundation for continued success in these upcoming competitions. The Grand Canyon University Athletics website will provide updates on these events as they unfold.
The Lopes’ performance at the Mountain West Championships demonstrates the program’s continued growth and potential. With strong individual performances and a dedicated team, GCU is poised to make a significant impact in the years to come. The upcoming Zone E Diving Championships and CSCAA National Invitational Championships will be key opportunities for the Lopes to continue building momentum and showcasing their talent on a national stage.
Share your thoughts on the Lopes’ performance and cheer on the team as they continue their season! Leave a comment below.
