LOS ANGELES, Calif. - This Friday, Oct. 20 the UC Santa Barbara Women's Swim team will head back to the big city to compete against UCLA in a dual meet.
Prepping for Friday
After a thrilling weekend of competition at the USC Invite, the women will look to bring their A-game as they face another formidable opponent, the UCLA Bruins. While the ladies fell short to USC and Hawai'i last week, they are determined to bounce back and show more promise this Friday. This matchup will be an exciting test as UCLA is ranked 23rd nationally according to the CSCAA.
A Look at UCLA
Over the last three match ups UCLA has a 3-1 mark against the Gauchos, most recently securing a 150-112 victory last season. In the 2023-24 campaign, UCLA has claimed two first place wins, first at the five team Fresno State Invite and at the Washington State dual meet in Pullman, Wash.
Swimmers to Look Out For
Some Gauchos to watch this weekend include Hazel Derr and Cami Collins. Derr was a standout last weekend, taking third in the 100 yard backstroke with a time of 55.53 and sixth in 200 yard backstroke with a time of 2:00.29. Collins also put up an impressive showing in the long distance events, taking fourth in the grueling 1650 yard freestyle with a time of 17:43.92. Both should be sure to shine again this weekend in their top events.
Boundless Banos
Sophomore Samantha Banos was a shining star for the Gaucho's at the USC invite earning three top five finishes, taking silver in the 200 butterfly (2:00.61), 4th in the 400 IM (4:25.38), and assisting in the fourth place finish in the women's 400 relay, where the team put together a time of 3:25.26.
Coming off receiving the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation's Athlete of the Week award on October 10, Banos was recognized again by MPSF for her performance in the 200 butterfly, making one of the 200 fly's best times for the season, so far.
When and Where
Friday's meet will begin at 3:30 pm at Spieker Aquatic Center in Los Angeles. Admission to the meet is free of charge and open to the public. Fans who are unable to attend can download the Meet Mobile app for live updates. Final results will be posted on the teams schedule page following the event's conclusion.
