Lady'Backs Set For Season Opener

FAYETTEVILLE-The University of Arkansas swimming and diving team opens the 2004-05 season against Drury University Friday at 6 p.m. inside the Arkansas Natatorium. The Lady Razorbacks host the NCAA Division II National Runner-up, Panthers, for the 16th meeting between the two programs. Arkansas is 12-3 all-time against Drury after defeating the Panthers 107-96 last season. Head swimming coach Anne Goodman James said she has high expectations for the diving squad. The Lady’Backs welcomed 10 newcomers to the team including six freshmen on the boards. Senior Canadian National qualifiers freshmen Jamie Hyslop and Brieanne Kushner officially begin their Lady’Back careers. “One of the strengths that we definitely have, that I think we’ll dominate in this weekend is in the diving,” Goodman James said. “Diving is outstanding for us, even though we are going to be without a couple of our divers.” Freshman diver Tori Kennedy competes for the Canadian National Team at the FINA Junior Diving World Championships in Brazil Oct. 27-28 and will not participate in the Drury meet. Goodman James said the Drury swimmers should make for an interesting match-up for the Lady’Backs as the Panthers boast two national champions. Leading the way for the Lady’Backs is Olympian senior Zsuzsa Csobanki and Minnesota state champion freshman Emily Gregory. “I think probably where you’re going to see the best competition, where Drury is the strongest would be the sprint freestyle and butterfly events with Cindy Ong, who is a many time national champion for them and then Natalie Cardoza in the distance freestyle events,” Goodman James said. “Happily, that is probably some of our strengths as well.” Goodman James said the Lady’Backs seniors should lead the charge against the Panthers with experienced leaders. “You’ll see Cindy Ong matching up against (Zsuzsa) Csobanki, who’s back from the Olympics in Athens and Natalie Cardoza matching up with Whitney Lynn, one of our returning all-Americans,” Goodman James said. For more information on Arkansas swimming and diving, log on to www.ladybacks.com.