Nov. 29, 2001

LAS VEGAS - UNLV took a commanding lead on the first day of the UNLV Mountain West Invitational, taking first in every event on both the men's and women's sides.

Through ten events, the UNLV women hold a 92-point advantage (281-189) over second-place San Diego State. Fresno State is currently third with 167 points, Wyoming fourth at 149, New Mexico fifth at 134 and Cal State Northridge sixth at 125.

The UNLV men are currently in first place with 361 points, while Wyoming holds second place with 266 points and Cal State Northridge sits in third with 205 points.

UNLV began the meet with a pair of wins in the 200 free relay. The team of Lorena Diaconescu, Criselda Dizon, Tamee Ebert and Madalina Tin won in 1:36.39. The men's team followed suit with Michael Short, Jacint Simon, Michael Schmidt and Bjorn Eriksson winning in 1:22.53. Jacint Simon and Tamee Ebert each picked up wins in 500 free. Ebert won in 4:58.25 and Simon won in 4:35.02.

Lorena Diaconescu set a school and conference record in the 200 IM with a time of 2:02.77. She broke a nine-year school record set by Mari Kasvio (2:03.43) in 1992.

Michael Day set a personal-best record in his first-place finish in the 200 IM. Day just edged out Wyoming's Grant Kritzinger, 1:54.43 to 1:54.51.

The Rebel men went 1-2-3 in the 50 free. Michael Short finished first in 20.76, Bjorn Eriksson took second in 20.85 and Michael Schmidt followed in 21.16. Eriksson's time was a personal best.

Madalina Tin won the 50 free for the women. She took first in 23.84.

The Rebels wrapped up day one with a pair of wins in the 400 medley relay. The women's team of Lindsey Whipple, Madalina Tin, Julie Unrau and Lorena Diaconescu took first in 3:52.27. The men's team of David Schick, Ramzy Ladah, Andrew Livingston and Michael Short won in 3:25.59.

The invite continues Friday afternoon with prelims scheduled for 11 a.m. and finals at 6 p.m.