Oct. 20, 2005

LAS VEGAS - Coming off its first-ever Mountain West Conference championship, the UNLV women's swimming and diving team is ready to continue their success from last season as they open the 2005-06 season at conference rival San Diego State on Saturday at 1 pm.

The Rebel women, who posted an 8-4 dual meet record in 04-05 (6-1 in MWC action), return the majority of their roster from last year's title team. Included among the returnees are three MWC champions, sophomore Kim Bonney (200 breast), Jessie Bradshaw (100 free in 2004), and Julie Babin (400 IM in 2004), while sophomore Marina Sandback looks to make an even bigger impact this year after claiming three second-place finishes in the conference last season. UNLV has also brought in a strong group of six freshman that head coach Jim Reitz expects to make a big difference for the Rebels this season, highlighted by Brandy Chapman, Bailey Kuestermeyer, and Amanda Weinbrecht.

Following the SDSU meet, UNLV will step out of the conference to host Arizona State in their home opener on Oct. 30 at Buchanan Natatorium, in what will be the first action for the Rebel men as well.