The Arizona synchronized swim team heads into competition this season with lofty ambitions, which should come as no surprise after last year.

In 2003, the squad finished fifth nationally and competed alongside the U.S. Olympic team in the Senior Nationals competition, despite being the only club synchronized swim lineup in the nation to compete against varsity NCAA competition.

A host of newcomers make up this year's synchronized team. Six fresh faces join the eight-swimmer roster. But despite the rookie lineup, expectations have not been diminished, according to the team.

"Even though the girls are new, we are planning on going to Senior Nationals," senior captain Michelle Meyer said.

Some of the team's confidence stems from the presence of head coach Jill Ranucci, a three-time national champion. The swimmers said they are looking to Ranucci to guide them to this year's national championship meet, which will be held for the first time at the UA.

Arizona has its sights set on defending Pac-10 champion Stanford, which it faces Valentine's Day weekend.

Washington boasts a strong squad as well, and will be looking to challenge the Wildcats and Cardinal for the league title.

"I'm sure we'll be (at the top of the league) again," Meyer said.

TriCats set to win 2004 championship

The Arizona triathlon squad is focused on winning the Collegiate National championship in 2004.

The TriCats compete in triathlon events that consist of a 1500-meter swim, a 40-kilometer bike race and a 10-kilometer run.

Unlike other sports, collegiate triathlon's national championship is awarded on the combined finish of the men's and women's teams.

In 2003, the TriCats men's team finished sixth in the Collegiate National competition, while the women's team placed ninth. The TriCats finished seventh overall.

The team is looking to build upon last season's success, but will face solid competition from defending overall and women's champion Colorado and the Naval Academy, last year's men's champion.

Team representative Craig Pansing said he is optimistic about the team's chances at the Collegiate National competition, to be held April 26 in Lake Havasu City.

"We think our team might have a shot at winning (the national championship)," Pansing said. "We're really excited."

Women's rugby aims for Sweet 16 berth

The women's rugby team enters its fourth year of competition, aiming to establish itself as a contender.

In 2003, Arizona's female scrummers finished play in the Southern California Conference tied for third place with UC Santa Barbara.

This year, the team hopes to dethrone defending league champion UC San Diego and earn a spot in the Sweet 16 of the women's rugby national championship tournament.

Newcomers will play an integral role in the team's mission. The squad's new additions came away with top honors in an all-rookie tournament prior to the season.

"We had a really good turnout with recruiting this year," team representative Danielle Bus said.

The preseason showed promise for the 2004 campaign, as the UA had an impressive showing against defending national champion Air Force.

"We had a good defensive game," Bus said, which, according to her, will be the key to a competitive season.

SCC play begins Saturday in Tempe against Arizona State. The team's first SCC home game comes Feb. 21 against the same Sun Devil squad.