The UConn swim and dive team will head to South Orange, N.J., this weekend to take on the Seton Hall Pirates. The teams will meet for their eleventh matchup, with the Huskies looking to extend their 10-0 shutout streak.
UConn will ride major momentum to enter the Pirates’ home pool, coming off a monumental weekend. Along with their largest victory of the season against the University of Vermont (224-76), the Huskies earned seven pool records across two meets. The 200-medley relay team of Sydney Perkins, Maggie Rhodes, Rhian Russel and Jessica Sheng set a new standard (1:42.34), only to beat it the following day (1:40.48).
Just one month shy of conference championships, the Huskies are in strong form and increasing intensity across the board. As the end of the season draws closer, UConn looks to continue shaving times in all events, with each Husky rising to the occasion. Junior backstroke specialist Bella Hoffman has proven herself to be fierce competition in the 200 back all season. Hoffman’s stellar performances contributed to one of the newest pool records in the Storrs Natatorium, and she looks to collect another first place finish this weekend.
UConn’s divers are also gearing up for another standout meet. Junior Kate Cooper, the reigning Big East Champion in the 3-meter dive, is having another remarkable season. Cooper has already scored four first place finishes in the event. Over the weekend, her winning dive earned a season-best of 310.55.
Senior Olivia Denery complements Cooper’s success, asserting her dominance in the 1-meter event. Denery scored a 299.55 against Vermont, surpassing the mark and making her the defending conference champion in the same event. These Husky divers remain athletes that opponents should keep a close eye on.
Seton Hall’s frontrunner is sophomore Aysoy Zeynep, a strong contender in distance freestyle and individual medley events. Zeynep is entering the meet fresh off a first-place finish in the 1000 free (10:44.88), but Huskies Bridget Davis and Norah Rome will offer fierce competition at the event.
UConn can also rely on Perkins, the exceptional sophomore talent, to deliver strong performances. The breaststroke specialist has led the Huskies throughout the season and remains undefeated in the 100 and 200 breast in dual-meet competition, which she will strive to continue against the Pirates.
The meet begins Saturday, Jan. 23, at 3 p.m. in the Arthur E. Imperatore Natatorium.