If the Arizona swim and dive team is looking for a break in their schedule, they're looking in the wrong place.
The Wildcats square off with No. 9 Texas today and Saturday in Austin, Texas, just a week after facing top-10 schools Stanford and California.
"The meet is going to be just like against Cal and Stanford," said senior Emily Mason. "Texas is a strong team and they do not like to lose at home."
A small difference in this meet and the one last weekend with the Pacific 10 Conference foes, is the Longhorns swim indoors.
"Texas is a really good team, this meet is going to be different because we will be racing indoors, but the team is looking forward to swimming," UA head coach Frank Busch said.
Arizona and Texas meet up Dec. 2-4 in the Texas Invitational.
If that is any indication, both Texas and No. 5 Arizona, which placed second in the event, are up for a fight.
Up to the task are junior Lyndon Ferns, senior Simon Burnett and Texas sophomore Garrett Weber-Gale, who have three of the top six times this season in the 100-yard freestyle.
UA head coach Frank Busch said he counts on an intense meet.
The indoor atmosphere is optimal, Busch said, because it allows for temperature control. He said both the swimmers and divers enjoy being inside.
Busch said the attitude of the team is beginning to rebound.
"The team is really very excited," Ferns said. "We are using every opportunity to prepare ourselves. The team is much stronger."
Ferns said that his toughest race may be the 100y butterfly and that the medley relays will be tough as well.
The women's side will prove to be just as competitive for the Wildcats. Texas's women's team is currently ranked fifth, one spot behind Arizona.
More telling, five of the top 10 times in the 100y freestyle have been clocked in by either an Arizona or a Texas swimmer.
This meet is Arizona's last road meet before the start of the championship season in March. The team will compete in its final home match Feb. 12 against ASU.