On Dec. 27 the women’s swimming team is scheduled to compete at home against Hamilton Southeastern and West Lafayette. This match comes three weeks after the team defeated North Central. While the meet comes early in the season, head coach Chris Plumb said this is an important meet and a good indicator for the rest of the season.

“I am looking for strong performances right off the bat from our team,” Plumb said. “The first few meets help me see how our freshmen are handling the training and deciding where they might fit in.”

Last year the women’s swimming team defeated both Hamilton Southeastern and West Lafayette; however, Plumb said both teams are improving, and he will prepare for these teams the same way he does every meet.

“All of our meets are in preparation for the championship meets at the end of the year,” Plumb said.  “In these meets, I put the athletes in different situations to see how they will respond, and I also try to set up races amongst our own team.”

Swimmer and senior Lacey Locke agrees with Plumb that these early season meets to prepare for the end of the year.

“We prepare for our biggest meets just like it is practice for the end of the year meets,” Locke said. “We go out there with confidence and stay focused and have fun.”