Teams: UC Davis vs. UC Irvine
Where: Schaal Aquatics Center
When: Saturday at noon
Who to watch: Coming from Fresno, Calif., senior Amber Bonds is wrapping up her career as an Aggie in a big way.
The sprinter specializes in the freestyle and butterfly events, and has anchored two relays to come-from-behind wins. This year, Bonds has posted lifetime bests in the 100 free (52.93) and in her split for the 200 free relay against UCSD.
Did you know? The first intermission will pay tribute to the 12 graduating members of the UC Davis team, acknowledging its successful transition from Division II to Division I.
The men’s team will be graduating five members: captain Trent Richardson, Adam Pluemer, Evan Kraus, Alex Arbios and diver Michael Androus.
The women will be saying farewell to seven members: Captains Sheeva Ghanbari, Emily Medved and Mary Struempf, as well as Bonds, Janice Leung, Carolyn Charvoz and diver Kendra Hughes.
Preview: UC Davis faces Big West Conference rival UC Irvine in its final dual of the regular season.
The Aggies are expected to have their hands full, as the Anteaters are one of the toughest teams in the conference.
In the preseason coaches’ poll, the UC Davis men were ranked No. 2, just one spot ahead of Irvine; meanwhile, the women were seeded No. 3, just one seed back from Irvine. The Anteaters diving squad was ranked as the conference favorite.
Since moving to Division I, the Aggies have gone 2-6 with the Anteaters, with their most recent loss being last year’s dual in Irvine.
However, the Aggie men look ahead, as they have already met with Irvine this season. The men’s squad defeated the Anteaters convincingly at their home Anteater Shootout in November, 83-31.
The meet this weekend will be the final dual event at Schaal Aquatics Center this season. The Aggies will then prepare for the Big West Championships in Long Beach (Feb. 25 to 28).
– Andrea Gutierrez
