Last year the Women of Troy came into Drake Stadium and ended with something they have not had since 1992. For the first time in 16 years, the USC women’s track team beat UCLA in the annual UCLA/USC Dual Meet, 86-77, and it did not leave a good taste in the Bruins’ mouths.
“It took me a good two months to get that out of my system,” coach Jeanette Bolden said.
By this Saturday afternoon, UCLA plans to return the favor and show that last year was just a fluke.
This season marks the 26th time the crosstown rivals will go head-to-head, this year at USC’s Loker Stadium.
The No. 25 Bruins look to start a new streak against the No. 9 Trojans. UCLA leads the overall series 21-4, including the 14-year run under Bolden.
“We’re not even concerned about the past,” Bolden said. “We’re not focused on it. We’re focused right now on being the best we can and to beat the Trojans.”
A lot of last year’s team is back, and the strong senior group will lead its squad into battle.
Senior hurdler Nicole Leach will open up in the 400-meter hurdles, her signature event in which she won the 2007 NCAA title.
“This is a meet where I open up my season,” Leach said. “I don’t go into this race different from any. I’m more excited about opening up rather than the rivalry.”
Leach broke the meet record in the 400m hurdles last year, with a time of 55.37 seconds.
Senior Rhonda Watkins won the long jump and will look to double up in the high jump this year.
The Bruins swept the 800m, high jump and pole vault a year ago.
UCLA vaulters have had a strong showing in the collegiate top 20, particularly Katy Viuf (No. 3, 14 feet, 1.25 inches), but they will get some competition from USC’s Brysun Stately, who owns her school’s record at 13-11.25.
The Bruins have junior Krishna Curry to try to repeat as winner in the 800m.
UCLA has 19 athletes qualified for regionals as well as its two relays.
USC boasts a spectacular freshman class and a solid group of sprinters to go against their rivals.
The high level of talent on both sides forecasts an exciting meet that may even necessitate that the last event find a winner.
“I think it might come down to the mile relay,” Bolden said. “I think that’s how close it’s going to be.”
This Saturday has been anticipated by the team, and the athletes are rested after a down week last weekend.
Coach Bolden wants to put out a fresh team as the Bruins gear up for a postseason push.
“We’re going no holds-barred,” Bolden said. “This is our meet. We’re getting ready for the ‘SC meet, Pac-10s and regionals.”
The athletes know that the meet’s importance goes beyond the track, where the school’s representation is held on an even greater level.
“I’m already aware it will be high intensity,” Leach said.
“After last year, there will be more energy. We are looking for the win, and it’s only right we get it back on their turf,” she said.