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UCLA swim and dive all set and focused for Pac-12 championship

By Nathaniel Liebes

Feb. 26, 2014 1:00 a.m.

As the Bruins travel to Washington for the Pac-12 women’s swimming and diving championship, which runs Wednesday through Saturday, the focus will remain on one thing: themselves.

This is something that, according to swim coach Cyndi Gallagher, the team did very well in its final dual meet of the season against USC on Feb. 17.

“Despite losing, we did a really good job of focusing on ourselves and our improvement which is really all that we can do,” Gallagher said.

Dive coach Tom Stebbins echoed the same sentiment, explaining that previous dual meets will be helpful for the team.

“They have been through meets of this length before. When the lights come on, you have to step up and compete,” Stebbins said.

Gallagher said that as a coach she is encouraging the athletes to maintain their focus on their races only when racing.

“Four days of competition can be exhausting so you need to compartmentalize. When it is time for your race, you get ready for that two-minute race,” Gallagher said. “You have two switches, an on-switch when you’re ready to go and an off-switch when hanging out with your teammates.”

Both coaches said they feel confident that their teams are ready to perform this weekend.

“They are on autopilot. They are just really focused to perform and the anticipation is exciting. They aren’t too nervous or too relaxed,” Gallagher said.

The athletes are eager for the postseason as well.

“I think we are really excited,” said junior butterfly swimmer Noelle Tarazona. “I think that the momentum we gained from the (USC) meet will carry with us to Pac-12s.”

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