BAKERSFIELD, Calif.-- The Roadrunner swimming and diving teams will host their second meet of the season on Saturday, Nov. 1, as Bakersfield takes on Fresno Pacific at the Hillman Aquatics Complex.
Coming off of a big weekend against Pacific, Bakersfield's men will rely on the shoulders of Mihael Vukic (So., Zabok, Croatia, Univ. of Louisville) to drive them to a win. The sophomore transfer picked up two individual victories last weekend and guided the 'Runner relay teams to two more victories. The men will certainly also look to senior Mitchell Huxhold (Escondido, Calif., San Pasqual HS) to continue to be an ever-present leader. Huxhold helped the 'Runner men to a big 198-96 win over Pacific a week ago with a few wins of his own.
Chris Hansen, Bakersfield's Director of Swimming, knows his men will be tested this weekend: “Fresno Pacific has some international studs that are from their NAIA days. They had to sit out a year in their transition to Division II and they are back this year. Our men cannot make any mistakes or this tough team can surprise us.”
Bakersfield's women are coming off a tough, 30-point loss to the Tigers and need to rebound against the Sunbirds. Hansen expects the women's squad to pick up the win on Saturday, but will still anticipate a high level of competition: “The women will have it a little easier than the men, however, they also cannot afford to make any mistakes.”
After a fast meet against Pacific, the 'Runners will look to sophomore Paola Hernandez (Lompoc, Calif., Cabrillo HS) to lead again. The California native won the 100 free last weekend and placed second in two other individual events against Pacific. Hansen also stressed the significance of the rest of the squad for a solid team result: “Diving will once again play an important role. We are going to see some different events from some of our swimmers. We need to start focusing on what events to swim at the Arena Classic. Our sprinters will have their work cut out for them this Saturday.”
Come on out to the Hillman Aquatics Complex this weekend to cheer on your 'Runners. The first event against the Sunbirds is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. As always, admission to the Hillman Aquatics Complex is free to fans and so is parking during athletic events.
~www.GoRunners.com~
