Feb. 25, 2011

Austin, Tex.-- Diver Loren 'Figgy' Figueroa has had a more than outstanding freshman season. Figgy has already shattered numerous school records and qualified for the World University Games in China this year, but on Friday night she brought Missouri something no other diver ever has-- a Big 12 Championship in the 1-meter dive. Her score of 335.15 was not only enough to win her the championship, it also set a meet record by more than 5 points. It is only the second diving championship ever for Mizzou: Kayla Melnychuk previously took home the title for platform diving in 2008.

Missouri had several other divers put in strong performances in the 1-meter as well. Jordan Morcom finished fourth in the event with 296.05 points, Christina Gailey placed seventh with 270.85 and Sharon Finn finished eighth, totaling 264.45 points.

Mizzou set a brand new school record and claimed third place in their first event, the 400 medley relay 'A' finals. The relay team of Dominique Bouchard, Amanda Masters, Cassie Cunningham, and Francie Szostak set the record in a race that drew the loudest cheers of the meet so far from a large crowd. The competition was fierce, and the Tigers more than represented: their time of 3:35.59 is the 11th fastest in the country, and Mizzou finished just behind Texas and A&M squads that set the top two times in the country.

Competing in the 'B' finals of the 400 IM, Anastasia Sotiropoulos placed 12th in 4:24.25 and Melissa Jamerson finished 15th in 4:27.78. 

In the 100 fly 'B' final, Missouri had strong representation, as Cassie Cunningham placed ninth in 54.18, Lexi Spivak finished 13th in 55.13, and Caitlin Connor took 15th in 55.59.

Stephanie Rovig placed sixth in the 200 free, finishing in 1:47.63, and Francie Szostak took seventh, swimming the event in 1:48.37. 

Three Tigers finished in the top eight of the 100 breast. Amanda Masters led the way with her fourth place, 1:01.32 finish, while Morgan McCleery followed close behind, finishing fifth in 1:02.01. Emy DiBenigno placed eighth, finishing in 1:02.34. Rachel Ripley (9th, 1:02.51) and Lisa Nathanson (15th, 1:04.25) participated in the 'B' finals for Mizzou.

Dominique Bouchard finished fifth in the 100 back, swimming in 53.42, while Cassie Cunningham placed sixth in 53.45. Lauren Lavigna swam in the 'B' finals, finishing 11th in 54.29, and Andrea Marko and Brigette Selbert swam in the 'C' final for Mizzou, placing 23rd (56.96) and 24th (57.14).

The Tigers resume competition in the final day of Big 12 Championships tomorrow at 10:00 am. Visit www.big12sports.com to follow the action live. 

###MIZZOU SWIMMING AND DIVING###