The Bruins have a bone to pick with the Wildcats.
Two years ago, UCLA narrowly won 157-141 against Arizona, breaking its 12-year losing streak against the Wildcats. The following season, however, the Bruins lost by two points.
That same season, the team faced harsh conditions at the Wildcat Diving Invitational when the Bruins competed in temperatures much lower than what they were used to in temperate Southern California.
This time, No. 21 UCLA (3-0, 1-0 Pac-12) will have the home-field advantage in a familiar pool and climate. The team will compete against No. 13 Arizona (3-0, 1-0) on Friday and Arizona State (0-3, 0-1), who it beat 183-113 last season, Saturday at Spieker Aquatics Center.
As the season progresses and various larger competitions loom ever nearer, UCLA swim and dive is kicking it into high gear, meeting the rising standards of continuously demanding workout regimens.
“We’re increasing the volume of what we’re doing … every week and increasing the intensity,” said coach Cyndi Gallagher.
Gallagher incorporates various equipment and different methods of training in order to continue boosting the level that she demands of the team.
“Cyndi makes us mix it up so we work on things that aren’t our strong suits – we become an overall … better swimmer and more able to handle any challenges that get thrown in our races or when we swim different events and meets,” said junior Katy Campbell.
One recent practice involved snorkels, which Gallagher said train swimmers to keep their heads down in the proper position when they’re not coming up to take a breath. The team also practiced while wearing fins and with paddles strapped onto their hands to increase the power of every stroke.
“I told them that … our intensity is just gonna continue to go up and they needed to come in and bring it,” Gallagher said.
UCLA has continued to push and be pushed throughout the season so far – and maybe it’s just in time for its confrontation with Arizona.
Compiled by Lea Chang, Bruin Sports contributors.