Teams: UC Davis vs. Denver
Where: Schaal Aquatics Center
When: Friday at 1 p.m.
Who to watch: Junior Linda Hermann is coming off a good meet against Seattle.
The Solana Beach, Calif. native won the 200-yard individual medley (2:09.20) and 200-yard backstroke (2:08.74). She also anchored the Aggies’ first place 400-yard medley relay.
Did you know? While UC Davis and Denver have crossed paths at past invitational tournaments, Friday will mark the first time the Aggies and Pioneers have faced off in a dual meet.
Preview: The women’s swim team has seen a good amount of success this season.
This weekend might not be as easy for them as coach Barbara Jahn calls Denver the toughest competition for her team so far in 2009.
“They have a very strong program,” Jahn said. “We have to swim our very best to beat them.”
She also mentioned that in some events, the Pioneers have swimmers that top the Aggies by over five seconds.
“They do have some exceptional swimmers,” Jahn said. “We will have to pick and choose which events are to our advantage.”
The Aggies will turn to Hermann and freshman Bridget Bugbee to lead them to victory.
Bugbee has been having an exceptional season as she took three events in UC Davis’ win over Seattle last weekend.
“Some of the things Bridget does in the pool are unbelievable,” Jahn said.
On the men’s side, juniors Matt Herman and Paul Navo look to guide the Aggies against the Pioneers after both led UC Davis to a sweep of Seattle.
After a week off, the divers return to action and are led by sophomore Shiree Segev and freshman Jenifer Meyer.
While the Aggies will have their hands full against the Pioneers, Jahn still believes UC Davis can pull out the victory.
“All across the board Denver is a very tough team,” Jahn said. “We’re going to have to use our best line up and hope for everyone to swim their best.”
– Jason Alpert
