51.7 F
Davis

Davis, California

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Women’s Swim and Dive Preview

Teams: UC Davis vs. San Jose State; vs. Seattle; vs. Loyola Marymount

Record: Aggies, 3-1; Spartans 2-2.

Where: Schaal Aquatic Center

When: Friday at 1p.m.; Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Who to Watch:  After a season-crippling shoulder injury last year, senior Heidi Kucera is jumping back in the pool with a vengeance.

The Atherton, Calif. native also plays water polo, does rodeo and was awarded Big West Female Athlete of the Year in 2009. Kucera was also the first Division I Aggie that qualified for Nationals.

“She’s done a tremendous job getting herself back into competitive shape,” coach Barbara Jahn said. “She goes into a different gear in the last 25 yards of a race.”

Did you know? On Saturday, the divers will be competing concurrently with the swim meet. Since the events occur at the same time, spectators will be able watch both events and see the diversity of talent this team has to offer. Coach Jahn said the team would love to see a big home crowd show up to cheer for the events.

Preview: This weekend, the Aggies will race in their most competitive dual yet.

San Jose State is known for having fast sprint freestylers, agile divers and widespread depth in other events.

Despite the Spartans’ strengths, the Aggies aren’t backing down from the challenge.

“We know they’re strong,” Jahn said. “We just can’t let that intimidate us. I predict that the race against San Jose State will be close in points.”

The swimmers and divers are going into their events knowing the Aggies need to take first in the majority of events in order to come out on top. If everything is tied, the dual champion will be claimed based on the team’s performance in the relays.

After Saturday’s races, the Aggies will jump back into the pool on Sunday to battle Seattle and Loyola Marymount.

The dual meet against the Redhawks and Lions will be the first Mountain Pacific Sports Federation matchup for the Aggies this season.

“We swam against LMU at the meet down in UCLA, so we know what to expect,” Jahn said. “As for Seattle, I think we’ll have an easier time.”

Jahn said that the team’s goal of the weekend is to win all three meets and to keep adding wins to their already prestigious 3-1 record.

“We’d really like to challenge San Jose State,” Jahn said. “And I know the whole team would like to see a big home crowd show up to cheer.”

– Caleigh Guoynes

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here