Swimming & Water Polo Briefs

Friday, February 12, 1999

Swimming & Water Polo Briefs

Water polo team must stay cool

In order for the UCLA women’s water polo team to sweep this
weekend’s UCSD tournament, it needs to get over the Stanford hump
that was created a week ago.

After losing only twice in the past two years, the three-time
defending national champions lost to the Cardinal last week in a
4-3 game.

The Bruins have a greater need, however, in proving themselves
after losing three of their All-American team members to the
national team this year.

They will have a possible rematch this weekend in San Diego
against Stanford – provided the Bruins defeat rivals California,
San Diego State and the University of Hawaii to get to the tourney
final.

Swimming, diving team to face USC

Why were the UCLA women’s swimming team members trooping out of
the Men’s Gym Pool chanting, "Beat ‘SC, beat ‘SC," in nothing but
their swimsuits and T-shirts?

It’s that time of the year again, the hype that is the UCLA vs.
USC swimming and diving meet. The No. 2 Trojans have been taking
the bragging rights for the last several years but the rivalry is
still hot. After all, it’s USC.

"We always put up a good fight against them," UCLA head coach
Cyndi Gallagher said. "We were ahead at one point last year, and it
was a horrible meet because it was pouring rain and wind. We did a
good job."

Whether the swimming and diving team wins or loses in combined
scoring, some Bruin always comes away with an individual victory.
Junior freestyle sprinter Keiko Price has been relied on time and
time again to bring home the bacon. Several Bruin freshmen have
also had promising finishes.

The Trojans, however, will be tough to beat. They feature
world-ranked swimmers and international divers who offer more
competitive experience to the field.

That can be an advantage, as Gallagher says, because such fast
swimmers will push their competitors to be better swimmers.

"It’s a great chance to race against really fast swimmers and
get fired up over the rivalry," she said.

The Bruins head to the USC pool for the annual dual meet rivalry
this Saturday at 1 p.m.

Notes compiled by Laurence Chow, Daily Bruin contributor.

Comments, feedback, problems?

© 1998 ASUCLA Communications Board[Home]