Oct. 28, 2004

Columbia, Mo. - The University of Missouri women's swimming and diving program will host the arch-rival Kansas Jayhawks this Saturday at the MU Natatorium in a dual meet set to begin at 1 p.m.

The meet figures to be a hard-fought competition, as the winner will secure 1.5 points toward the MU-KU Border Showdown trophy, a traveling trophy which goes to the school with the most points in head-to-head competition at the end of the year between the two rivals in all sports. Kansas holds a 3.0-to-1.5 lead in this year's standings, heading into Saturday's meet. Mizzou won the inaugural competition (2002-03 season), while Kansas claimed the cup last year (2003-04).

In the pool, Mizzou has defeated Kansas four straight times in dual competition, including an exciting 153-147 Tiger win in Lawrence, Kan., during the 2003-2004 season.

"These teams match up against each other really well, so I expect it to be a very exciting meet," said Mizzou Head Coach Brian Hoffer. "Our kids are always very excited to swim against Kansas, and I know that on KU's side, they will have some motivation since we've had some success against them recently. This will be the last time we compete against Kansas in this pool, so there are a lot of things going on that will add to the day," he said.

Mizzou enters the meet at 0-1 on the dual season, with the loss coming at the hands of Texas A&M, while the Jayhawks enter the meet with a 2004-05 season dual record of 0-2, dropping meets to Texas and Texas A&M. Mizzou is receiving votes in the latest College Swimming Coaches' Association (CSCA) top-25 poll.

This will be the second time that MU and KU have faced each other this season, as earlier this month, they both competed in the Big 12 Relays, in Lawrence, Kan. The rivals tied for third place in that competition.

Admission is free for Saturday's meet.