Despite strong performances by Michael Lanz, Elise Guenther and Katie Bromback, the St. Thomas men’s and women’s diving teams both finished in second place in the three-day 2013 MIAC Swimming and Diving Championships at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center.

St. Olaf took the men’s crown with 787 points while Gustavus captured its fourth-consecutive women’s title with 743 points. This marked the first losses of the season for both the St. Thomas teams.

The men came into the meet having won two of the last three conference titles and finished with 748 points. The women finished with 691 points.

Michael Lanz placed second in the men’s 200 yard butterfly. Lanz said he was confident in both the men’s and women’s team going into Saturday night’s events.

“We just need to swim well as a team,” Lanz said. “I’m confident in all of my teammates.”

He was followed by teammate Griffin Voss, who finished in fourth place.

Chris Tri took second in the 1,650 yard freestyle. Justin Mullee took second place in the men’s 200 yard backstroke. The men’s 400 freestyle relay team finished in second place behind St. Olaf.

Elise Guenther was victorious in the 1,650 yard freestyle, clocking in at 18:02.45. Katie Bromback was successful the women’s 200 yard butterfly.

Coach Tom Hodgson said he was pleased with how the women swam.

“The women are swimming an incredible meet,” Hodgson said. “I don’t think anyone would have given us a chance to push Gustavus.”

The Tommies took second place behind the Gusties in the women’s 400 yard freestyle relay. The relay team consisted of Emily Punyko, Erin Hogan, Averi Splinter and Hayley Trace.

“Everyone’s done a phenomenal job,” Punyko said. “There’s been great competition, and it’s just been incredible.”

The men’s and women’s diving teams also both finished in second place.

Nick Johnson won the men’s 3-meter diving and teammate Ryan Panure fell right behind him in second place.

Kyle Jonas can be reached at jona7984@stthomas.edu.