NCAA Women: UCLA Downs UCSD -- January 6, 2002

SAN DIEGO, CA., Jan. 4 -- UCLA's women's swimming team, defending Pac-10 champs, kicked off the new year with a 179-83 dual-meet win over host U Cal San Diego here this afternoon.

UCSD, a perennial Division III power, moved up to Division II last season and finished runners-up to Truman State at the NCAA Championship.

Coach Cyndi Gallagher's Bruins are now 6-2 overall, 1-2 in Pac-10 competition.

The meet was swum in a 25 yard pool.

UCLA won 11 of 13 events against the Tritons, including doubles by LeAnne Cadag (50 free, 24.90; 50 fly, 26.59); Jen Noodle (100 IM, 59.82; 150 breast, 1:44.50); and Naoko Watanabe (50 back, 28.44; 150 back, 1:31.48).

Cadag also led off the Bruins' winning 200 medley relay that clocked 1:48.79.

UCSD's wins were by Samantha Wong (100 free, 54.22) and Lindsey Meeks (50 breast, 30.40). Her teammate, Denise Board, was second in 31.05.

The Bruins return to action Jan. 9 at the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center Pool when they host Big 10 power University of Illinois, led by All-America
backstroker Jessica Aveyard and All-America breaststroker Ilkay Dikman, a Turkish Olympian.

The meet begins at 2 pm and is the Bruins' home opener.

-- Bill Bell