Jan. 11, 2008

HUNTINGTON - Nine seniors will compete in their final meet at the Frederick A. Fitch Natatorium on Saturday as the Marshall swimming and diving team competes in its home finale against the Akron Zips at 1 p.m.

This will be the first official competition for the Herd swim team since the Miami Invitational in early December. The squad spent two weeks training in Florida during the Christmas break and will look to post good times against Akron.

While Akron (0-5, 0-4 MAC) has yet to manage a duel meet win this season, the Marshall coaching staff is very aware that the Zips have a talented team.

"We've had some of our closest and most competitive meets against Akron," Marshall head coach Leonard Kraus said. "I look for this meet to be hard fought. Their coaching staff does a fine job and they have outstanding divers.

"We have to watch ourselves in the sprints, they are deep and fast. Their top backstroker will also be a challenge to overcome."

Kraus expects a close meet all the way and knows that Marshall's swimmers will have to push themselves for new season bests if the Herd is going to come away with a victory.

"We must stay sharp on the relays and finish our races strong. A couple touch-outs one way or the other could mean a win or a long weekend."

The nine senior competing for Marshall on Saturday will be Sarah Brunette, Danielle Chappelle, Ashley Ezell, Lauren Goodwin, Erin Hill, Renee Lambert, Ashley McIlvain, Jessica Prater and Michaela Sceli.