University of Houston Athletics
Diving Team to Compete at Tennessee Invitational
11/7/2002 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Nov. 7, 2002
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The University of Houston diving team continues its 2002-03 season Friday when it competes at the Tennessee Diving Invitational in Knoxville, Tenn.
The Cougars, led by senior All-American Yulia Pakhalina, will square off against the host Lady Volunteers as well as Miami and Ohio State. The competition begins at 5:45 p.m. Friday with the 1-meter and 3-meter springboard events at the Student Aquatic Center.
Pakhalina, who was earlier named C-USA Diver of the Week, brings an impressive resume into the meet. A three-time NCAA national champion and the defending NCAA champion on the 3-meter board, Pakhalina was won 45 of the last 46 diving events in which she was entered.
In addition, the Penza, Russia, native has never lost on 3-mter board, reeling off wins in 22 consecutive events.
Redshirt freshman Azul Almazan has also been a steady force for the Cougars this season, consistent finishing second behind Pakhalina in this season's dual meets. In last weekend's meet against crosstown rival Rice, Almazan posted new career best scores on both boards.
Veronica Smith is one of only four seniors on this year's swimming and diving team. The Houston native earned 237.90 points on the 1-meter board last weekend against Rice for a new season high.
