DENVER -- Northern Arizona’s Emma Lowther and Kristy Ardavanis have been named the Verizon WAC Swimmer and Diver of the week, respectively, for the week of Dec. 12-18.
Lowther, a sophomore from Cockle Bay, New Zealand (Howick), won the 500 freestyle and 1650 freestyle, finished second in the 800 freestyle relay, finished fourth in the 200 freestyle, and advanced to the C finals in the 100 fly at the UNLV Winter Invitational. She won the 500 free on the first day of competition on Friday, defeating 41 other competitors and winning by more than three seconds with a time of 4:56.55. In the 1650 free, she topped 23 other competitors by more than 22 seconds, with a time of 16:52.08. Her times in both victories were the fastest recorded in the WAC this season. She also swam the last leg of the 800 free relay team that finished second in 7:41.43, ahead of 17 other teams.
Ardavanis, a junior from Gilbert, Ariz. (Mesquite HS), won the 1-meter diving competition over 18 other divers at the UNLV Winter Invitational. She scored 295.05 to win by nearly 20 points. The win was her 10th diving title of the season in just seven meets. This is the fourth time this season she has been named WAC Diver of the Week.
Other swimmers nominated: New Mexico State junior Beth Cage