ATLANTA -- Brenda Diaz, Oleksandr Karpenko and Hector Ruvalcaba Cruz wrapped up competition for the 2019 Toyota U.S. Open at the McCauley Aquatic Center this weekend.
 
The meet, in long-course meters, allowed swimmers to notch times that will prepare for the year's upcoming international meets. For many of the competitors at the U.S. Open, that means preparing for the Olympics.
 
UIW sent three of their top swimmers to the meet, ready to gain experience against other elite athletes.
 
Hector Ruvalcaba Cruz notched an impressive eighth place finish in the B Final of the men's 200 butterfly, finishing in 2:00.63.
 
Oleksandr Karpenko busted out a swift 1:03.93 in the men's 100 breaststroke in preliminary action.
 
Freshman Brenda Diaz also added proficiency for the Cardinals as she notched a 5:09.37 in the women's 400 IM.

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH PHILLIP DAVIS

"I'm so proud every time I get to coach UIW athletes on the biggest stage in our sport. The Toyota US Open was loaded with Olympic medalist from all over the world. It felt like everyone had the Olympic Rings tattooed on them. All three swam really well, very happy for Hector qualifying for Consolation Finals and [he was only] .10 from Championship Finals." 

 
UP NEXT
 
The Cardinals men and women are set to compete next at the Trinity Invitational on Dec.16, facing Texas A&M, New Mexico State, and host Trinity at the Palo Alto Natatorium.
 
FOLLOW ALONG

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Follow the team on Twitter @UIWSwimAndDive and on Instagram @uiwswimanddive.