One week has passed since the women's swimming and diving team notched their most impressive victory of the season by edging Buffalo in a one-point nail-biter, 150-149.
Now the team will get back on the road this weekend for an important Mid-American Conference dual meet in Ypsilanti, Mich.
Eastern Michigan (6-2, 3-1 MAC) awaits the Cardinals (6-5, 3-1 MAC), as the two teams will compete against the Akron Zips (5-4, 0-4 MAC) in a dual meet at 1 p.m. Saturday.
This Saturday's meet at Eastern Michigan will be held in the same pool where the MAC Championships will take place Feb. 28 to March 2.
"We're keeping our focus on the conference championships," head coach Laura Seibold-Caudill said. "This will be a good opportunity for us (to swim) in the same pool where the championships will be held. Eastern looks better than us on paper, and it will take a total team effort to pull out a victory over them."
The Eagles have an advantage in the sprint events, individual medleys and butterfly relays, according to Seibold-Caudill.
Ball State should be stronger in the breaststroke and distance events, though. Freshman breaststroke swimmer Karla Bailey and her roommate Michelle Arakgi will lead the Cards into action in those events.
"Last week we got so pumped up," Bailey said. "That momentum should stay with us now. Staying consistent is crucial; everyone will be competing in a lot of tight races at the dual meet."
"This will be especially important for us freshmen," Arakgi said. "We need to get accustomed to the surroundings and get the feel of the pool as well."
Bailey has been the most consistent swimmer of the season for the Cardinals. She has won events in the previous four meets and had the best overall performance at the Miami Invitational in late November.
Sophomore, freestyler Dee Dee Wolverton will also be leading by example against the Eagles. Wolverton was named MAC Swimmer of the Week Tuesday, after winning two freestyle events against Buffalo and Bowling Green.
"We proved what we were capable of against Buffalo," Seibold-Caudill said. "This team can do anything if they want it badly enough."
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