Jan. 29, 2015
RENO, Nev. - Coming off of what head coach Abby Steketee declared the most concerted team effort she's seen in three years at Nevada, the Wolf Pack looks to continue building momentum before the postseason.
The Nevada swimming and diving team (8-1) will meet Boise State (4-1) on Saturday, marking the first dual between the Pack and Broncos in program history. Action will get underway at 10 a.m. (PT) from the West Family YMCA and Boise Aquatics Center.
The Wolf Pack has been stellar all season, posting an 8-1 dual record while improving throughout the season in preparation for the MW Championships. Meanwhile, the Broncos have been ranked near the top 25 throughout the season and will likely be the fastest team Nevada has faced this year.
"Boise State has been swimming fast all year, so this meet will test our ability to focus on factors that we can control," said Steketee. "Our staff emphasizes staying in the present. We have to keep pushing forward and marking corrections in our races."
The Pack's last dual resulted in a big Senior Day victory, 179.5-120.5, over San Jose State last week in Lombardi Pool. Nevada won 11 events and claimed two-of-three top finishes in 12 events in a commanding victory, sending its five seniors out in style.
Junior Yawen Li won three events and sophomores Teresa Baerens and Sita Kusserow each won two events to lead Nevada. In diving, junior Krysta Palmer won both events, set a program record in the 3-meter springboard and was named MW Diver of the Week for the third time this season. Palmer has won all eight dives she's competed in this season with NCAA Zone Qualifying scores.
Meanwhile, Boise State has defeated Utah, Idaho, Oregon State and Wyoming in duals this season in addition to winning the USD Relay Meet. The Broncos won the 2014 Mountain West Championships.
Saturday's dual will be the final regular season meet for both teams. The Wolf Pack and Broncos will likely prioritize improving times and honing their technique for the MW Championship rather than focusing on a win or loss.
"Our goal is to achieve personal records and school records at the Mountain West Championship, and we see every dual meet as an opportunity to learn things that will move us toward that goal," said Steketee.
The 2015 Mountain West Championships are Feb. 18-21 in San Antonio, Texas, at the Palo Alto College Aquatic Center. The Wolf Pack has exceeded expectations at the MW Championships in every season under Steketee.
