UCLA Women Defeat San Diego
WESTWOOD, November 9. WHOEVER said "It never rains in Southern California" certainly wasn't at the UCLA women's swim team's dual meet against the University of San Diego here this afternoon. There was no men's meet as UCLA eliminated its storied men's team a decade ago, ostensibly to comply with Title IX.
The Bruins defeated the Toreros in a driving rain storm, 194-146, in conditions just slightly more than unpleasant at UCLA's Sunset Canyon Recreation Center Pool. Coach Cyndi Gallagher's Bruins, 2001 Pac-10 champs, are now 6-0 all-time against the Toreros.
With today's victory, UCLA improves its overall record to 3-0 and 1-0 in Pac-10 action.
The Bruins won 12 events on the day and were led by junior Sara Platzer, who "splashed" to wins in the 50 and 100 yard freestyles (23.64/52.18), respectively. Other Bruin winners were Lindsey Smart (200 free, 1:54.22), Taylor Spivey (100 back, 56.82), Leslie Hovsepian (100 breast, 1:05.61), Cathy Coler (200 fly, 2:05.05), Jackie Lobdell (200 back, 2:07.09), Malin Svahnstrom (500 free, 5:04.42)and Kim Vandenberg (100 butterfly, 57.97).
Froshwoman diver Paige Thompson also swept the one- and three-meter springboard diving, scoring 254.85 and 245.50 points, respectively.
The Toreros won four events and were led by rookie Ashley Swart. She turned in an oustanding triple with wins in the 1000 free (10:13.69), 200 breast (2:19.21) and 200 IM (2:06.03).
The Toreros' 200 free relay team of Eryn Bowman, Rohelle Gauthier, Jamie Jackson and Rendy Opdycke also was victorious, winning in 1:40.79.
UCLA's next home meet will be against Arizona and Arizona State in two weeks as the Bruins take on a pair of Pac-10 powers. Arizona features defending Pac-10 500 free champ Emily Mason, whose time at the conference meet last season (4:38.79) was not only a Pac-10 record but also fastest nationally for the season.
ASU features breaststroker Agnes Kovacs, who is defending Olympic and World Championship gold medalist in the 200 breast.
— Bill Bell