The Pac-12 Conference is back in full swing this week with a number of key meets on the women’s side.
No surprise that the big week of competition will center around No. 3 Stanford and No. 4 Cal again, though the Cardinal and Golden Bears will not be swimming against each other just yet.
For the second consecutive weeks, however, Stanford an Cal will be facing like opponents during the weekend and swapping as they did last weekend with Arizona and Arizona State.
This weekend, UCLA swims at Stanford on Friday, while Cal hosts USC.
On Saturday, UCLA faces Cal, while Stanford then hosts USC.
It is the biggest weekend for the Pac-12 women all season, with all four meets serving as a preview for the Pac-12 Championships.
It could mean for some particular exciting relays and USC’s Riley Scott, Maddie Wright, Marta Ciesla and Louise Hansson go head-to-head with Stanford’s Ella Eastin, Katie Drabot, Zoe Bartel and Taylor Ruck.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
That would happen one day after the Trojans went head-to-head with Amy Bilquist, Katie McLaughlin, Maddie Murphy and Abbey Weitzeil in a couple of relays.
Hansson is the reigning 100 butterfly NCAA champion and has been nothing short of a powerhouse for the Trojans.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
Weitzeil is having a dominating season in the sprints and Eastin picked up right where she left off as NCAA Swimmer of the Year.
Meanwhile, Stanford’s Haley Farnsworth will get a showdown with UCLA’s All-American Eloise Belanger, last season’s Pac-12 Diver of the Year, and recent conference diver of the week, Maria Polyakova.
Photo Courtesy: Dan D’Addona
Belanger is having a stellar season, winning the 1-meter and platform titles at the Bruin Diving Invitational.
Check out complete Pac-12 coverage here.
Other meets to watch for
On Friday-Saturday, Arizona will travel to Texas.
Washington State and Oregon State will square off on Friday, while the Beavers will then host Idaho on Saturday.