Bruins suffer weekend loss to ‘SC

  MICHAEL MANTEL Sophomore Kristen Tinney swims
toward a sixth-place finish in the 1650-yard freestyle event
Saturday against USC. The Bruins lost 167-133. USC
167 UCLA 133

By Oshin Aivazian
Daily Bruin Contributor

Streamers adorning the sidelines, parents taking pictures of
their daughters in their moment of success, music helping to savor
the moment ““ it was obviously a special meet for the UCLA
swimming and diving team, as they hosted USC on Saturday.

Unfortunately for the gala of UCLA fans who showed up to cheer
at the meet, the Bruins lost 167-133.

Despite all of the decorations, though, the meet against USC was
more of a practice for the Bruins, as they looked to find what they
needed to improve in preparation for the Pac-10 Championships.

“It’s been great that we’ve seen every team in
dual meets, so we know what to look for “¦ It’ll be
great,” junior swimmer Beth Boehm said.

UCLA looked strong early on, as four divers placed in the top 10
for both the one-meter and three-meter events, including junior
Heidi Prosser, who has placed in the top 10 throughout the
season.

“She’s been real consistent and strong all year.
“¦ She’s done a great job of leading this group,”
diving coach Tom Stebbins said.

For senior diver Liz Ackerman, the meet against USC had more
than statistical value, as it was the last of her collegiate
career.

“It’s really gratifying to have been diving for all
four years,” she said. “To be at the end is an
accumulation of a lot of hard work.”

Malin Svahnstrom (50-yard free and 100 free) and Sara Platzer
(200 free and 100 fly) were impressive, collecting a pair of wins
each, and Elvira Fischer added a 200-yd breaststroke victory to the
group.

In defeat, the swimmers maintained the same vigor and energy
that they began the meet with.

UCLA benefited from the fan support they collected, and the
swimming team expects the same degree of support in two weeks when
they look to defend their title at the Pac-10 Championships in Long
Beach. The diving section of the Pac-10 Championships will take
place in Arizona.

“We have good spirit, that’s what it comes down
to,” junior swimmer Stacy Kearny said. “Even though we
lost, we still look like we won.”