In an exposition of underwater exuberance, the swimming and
diving team traveled down to Dallas, Texas to take fourth place in
the Southern Methodist Classic competition and tournament.
On Friday and Saturday, UCLA competed in the annual tournament,
racing against SMU, the host, Cal, Florida State, Alabama and
Pacific. The Bruins had flown in during the day only to suit
up in swim suits and goggles right before literally diving into the
competition.
“This competition definitely had a different kind of
atmosphere,” assistant coach Greg Meehan said. “It was
kind of neat. We were only allowed to bring eight swimmers and one
diver, so it was very focused on the individuals.”
Due to sickness and other circumstances, two swimmers, juniors
Taylor Spivey and Sara Platzer were unable to attend. The team,
however, still competed hard and took home some wins in the
events.
Junior Malin Svahnstrom led the Bruins with a win in the
100-meter freestyle, immediately qualifying for an NCAA B cut, and
placing third in the 200 free. Freshman Kim Vandenberg also took
the opportunity to demonstrate her speed with a third place finish
in the 100 butterfly and 50 free.
Senior Regan Gosnell, armed with the sole responsibility of
representing UCLA’s diving team, placed second in both the 1-
and 3-meter dives.
The two-day event also included relay competitions, in which the
team had to improvise for their usual teams with the eight members
attending the Classic, yet still pulling in solidly with a fourth
place finish in the 800 free relay and fifth in the 400 medley
relay.
Back at UCLA, the Bruins rejoined the rest of the squad in
preparation of continuing their winning season.Â
“The weekend at Texas was a great opportunity. It’s
very focused on the individuals, and so the players had the chance
to compete with the best of the other schools,” Meehan
said.
The Bruins will return to the pool with the entire team this
weekend on the UCLA campus, hosting UC San Diego Saturday at noon
at the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center.