Feb. 8, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB synchronized swimming team is set to host a pair of home meets this weekend as defending national champion Stanford will take on the Blazers in the Bell Aquatics Center on Saturday at 2 p.m., while on Sunday, Georgia will challenge the Blazers at 2 p.m. UAB is unbeaten this season after ousting Florida, Michigan and Georgia at the Florida Invitational, Jan. 27.

UAB is led by senior All-American Sara Petrov who is one of four seniors that will be honored prior to Saturday's meet. Other seniors on this year's squad are All-American Hallie Todd, Andrea Dash and Vanessa Dash.

UAB head coach Lisa Riddell is in her fifth season with the Blazers and is pleased with how her team has performed after winning the Florida Invitational with a score of 98.000.

"I was very encouraged with the team's performance in Florida," Riddell said. "The first meet of the season is always a bit difficult, but the girls did a great job and I'm sure they'll continue to improve."

To come away with two victories this weekend the Blazers will have to topple defending national champion Stanford. Riddell said she hopes the Blazers can use their home pool advantage to make a run at the nation's top team.

"It can be intimidating competing against a team like Stanford that's comprised mostly of National Team members," Riddell said. "I think that if the girls stay focused and don't let that affect them, we'll definitely be good competition for them. It helps that we're in the comfort of our own pool and we know what to expect and hopefully will have a good crowd to cheer us on."

This weekend will be the only opportunity for Blazer fans to see the team in action in their home pool this season, as all the team's remaining meets will be in foreign venues. The team urges its fans to come out and support them as they take on national powerhouse Stanford.

"I definitely want to urge the fans to come out Saturday," Riddell said. "Unfortunately synchronized swimming isn't real well known in this part of the country, but I know that if people come out, they'll be amazed by the amount of athleticism it takes to excel at this sport."

Action gets underway at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday in the Bell Aquatics Center located across the street from Bartow Arena.