Jan. 9, 2003

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The University of Houston swimming and diving program opens the 2003 season Friday when it faces New Mexico in a 2 p.m. (CST) dual meet at Armond H. Seidler Natatorium.

The meet will be part of a three-day road swing for the Cougars, who face New Mexico State at 10 a.m. (CST) Saturday in Las Cruces, N.M.

This will be the first action for the Cougars in the New Year and their first competitive action since taking part at the Texas Invitational in Austin on Dec. 5-7.

Senior diver Yulia Pakhalina remains the team's most consistent performer this season. The Penza, Russia, native has won 11 of the 12 events in which she has entered this year and posted wins in 48 of 50 events during her collegiate career.

A three-time national champion, Pakhalina swept the diving competition on the 1-meter and 3-meter springboards at the Texas Invitational.

Redshirt freshman diver Azul Almazan finished third in the platform competition at the Texas event and set a new UH 9-dive record with a score of 399.70 points.

True freshman swimmer Stacey Williams has emerged as one of the Cougars' most consistent performers during her first collegiate season. The Perth, Western Australia, native has posted UH season-best times in five different events and twice been honored as the Conference USA Swimmer of the Week.

Senior Falon Hopkins has been equally impressive, leading the Cougar swimming corps in four events, while junior Lucile Turpin tops the team in six events.