Nov. 5, 2008

HOUSTON - After almost a month away from their home pool, the University of Houston swimming and diving team returns to the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center Natatorium for a double dual against Rice and New Mexico State on Thursday at 5pm.

Houston swam its last two duals on the road in Michigan, defeating Oakland University 133-110, but losing to Michigan State, 126-117. The Cougars have not competed at their home facility since a 174-126 win over North Texas on Oct. 11.

UH will look to snap a four dual losing streak against the Owls. Their last win over Rice came on Nov. 3, 2006 with a 176-171 win at the Phill Hansel Dual Weekend. Houston is also 6-1 all-time against New Mexico State. The two programs swam against each other three times during the 2006-07 season, with Houston coming out on top all three times.

After winning each of her seven events against Michigan State and Oakland last weekend, senior Sasha Schwendenwein was named the Conference USA Swimmer of the Week. She set pool records in the 200-yard butterfly (1:58.70) and in the 200-yard freestyle (1:48.23) against Michigan State to highlight the weekend

Junior Anastasia Pozdniakova continued her winning streak in the 1-meter and 3-meter competitions over the weekend on her way to being named the C-USA Diver of the Week. She has not lost either event this season. Pozdniakova also set a pool records with the 375.67 points in the 1-meter competition and her 396.07 points in the 3-meter competition.

Following the dual on Thursday, Houston will have a week off to prepare for the Phill Hansel Dual Meet Weekend. On Nov. 14-15, Houston will welcome Rice, Incarnate Word, Florida International and Vanderbilt to the CRWC Natatorium.