BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The CSU Bakersfield women's swimming and diving team is excited to have the first week of competition arrive as the Roadrunners are prepared to open the year in a tri-meet in Los Angeles this weekend. CSUB will take on Oregon State and host USC on Friday, Oct. 6.

Not afraid to kick off the season with a tough challenge, CSUB's Director of Swimming, Chris Hansen, is looking forward to a difficult schedule in 2017-18: "We start off the season against USC and Oregon State, two big time schools, for our ladies. I think if we put everything together we might have a chance to shock Oregon State. Idaho, Hawai'i, and UNLV will also be big meets for us and, like the men, I think we have a chance to do some big things against these schools."

Hansen's confidence stems from having a large group of returning `Runners mixed with a solid recruiting class: "This is the biggest women's team since I have been here. Having 28 women is going to help our depth in dual meets. Twelve new women join our returners in a year that I think might just be one of the best years in program history. We took big hits the last two years losing WAC scorers Kelsey Lange, Michaela Paige, Carlee Burks, and Paola Hernandez; however, I feel confident that these women are going to be able to make up those lost points."

CSUB's Head Coach went on to highlight some of his top returners for this season: "Jayssie Haynes is coming off a great summer of training. She made her first US National cut and will need to bring her summer experience to help guide this very young team. She could very easily be a contender to win some events at WAC this year. Sabrina Zavala, Hannah Chernabaeff, and Morgan King also scored the team a ton of points last year and will look to dominate in their events. Alisa Cooke, Maddie Cosgrove, and Lexi Cannon also had great conference meets and will play big roles in our relays."

While most of Hansen's newcomers are freshmen, he is also excited about as a transfer student-athlete: "Gabi Liedy will play an important role right off the bat. She comes in as our fastest 200, 500, 1000, and 1650 Free. She also has WAC experience, having been a finalist in these events while swimming for North Dakota. Freshmen Maya Valdoria, Isabella Magalong, and Sydney Garvey have best times that put them all in contention to score at the WAC."

Hansen also mentioned Summer D'Arcy, Audrey Willoughby, and Sabrina Zavala, who will be captains this season. "All three of these ladies have been doing an amazing job in and out of the pool," Hansen said. "This will be a successful year for the lady `Runners."

Friday's season-opening meet is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in Los Angeles, Calif. The Trojans of USC finished the 2016-17 season ranked No. 5 in the nation. Results will be made available late Friday evening.

~GoRunners.com~