Feb. 1, 2006
COLUMBIA, Mo. - With the championship season fast approaching, the Missouri men's and women's swimming and diving teams will conclude the dual portion of their seasons this weekend, splitting time on the road and at home. Both squads will travel to Springfield, Mo., on Friday to take on Drury, marking the final dual of the season for the Tiger men (5-2, 1-0 Big 12). The women's squad (4-2-1, 1-2-1 Big 12) will host Nebraska on Saturday, which will be Senior Day for both the men and women.
"Our men are going to find out how tough they are this weekend," Mizzou head coach Brian Hoffer said. "It's our fourth consecutive week in the water, and it'll be a huge challenge facing the defending Division II national champs. We're excited to compete, though. We have the chance to finish 6-2, but we'll have to win some events because every race will be a great matchup."
"The Drury women are talented, but we have an edge because of our depth," he said. "We might be a little rusty after a week off, but we're excited to get going again with a great road meet."
The Mizzou men took a 181-118 decision over Drury last season in Columbia, spoiling the Panthers' undefeated dual season. The Tiger women cruised to a 193-106 win at the same dual. The Mizzou and Drury women have squared off five times in the last seven years, with the Tigers winning each contest.
While the Drury men look to avenge the loss of their perfect dual record in 2004-05, Nebraska will be in search of the same vindication on the women's side. The Cornhuskers lost their undefeated season in last year's final dual meet - a come-from-behind 153-147 Mizzou win in Lincoln, Neb.
The Tigers trailed entering the final two events, but then-sophomore Amy Charley came up with a huge win in the 200 IM, turning in a season-best time of 2:07.15 despite swimming in the outside lane. Charley's win opened the door for the team of Lindsay Palbykin, Liz Schoborg, Amanda Morford and Shannon Hogan to win both the 400 free relay and the meet for the Tigers by more than two seconds (3:28.18 to Nebraska's 3:30.87).
"Nebraska is swimming really well right now, and they're going to be fired up," Hoffer said. "Our women fully understand what Big 12 swimming is all about, and they're going to be fired up, too. We've made a big improvement over the course of the season, and we're focused in on doing what we need to do."
Saturday's tilt will also be special for the 10 Tiger seniors - six men and four women - who will be honored before the meet.
"This class has seen a lot of change, and they've experienced a lot of wins," Hoffer said. "This is a program on the rise, and the senior class is certainly a huge part of that."
Friday's meet will begin at 4 p.m., and the home meet on Saturday will commence at 1 p.m. Admission is free to the meet against Nebraska.