Oct. 14, 2009

- Maryland Women's Swimming and Diving Preview

This is part two of a four-part series previewing the 2009-10 Maryland women's swimming and diving season.

Tuesday - Freestyle
Today - Backstroke
Thursday - Fly and IM
Friday - Diving and Overview

The backstroke event will have a similar flavor as the freestyle for the Maryland women's swimming and diving team in 2009-10.

The Terps return its top backstroke competitor from a year ago as 2009 NCAA Championship qualifier Annie Fittin leads Maryland this season. Fittin landed on the podium with a third-place finish in the 100 back in the ACC Championships and also set a school record (53.22) in the event.

"Annie is our leading returner in the backstroke and it is a great advantage to have her back this season," head coach Sean Schimmel said. "I am looking for a lot of big things from Annie."

Following closely behind is sophomore Ginny Glover, who established a school record in the 200 back as only a freshman.

"We are really going to look to use Ginny more in the 100 back when we can this year," Schimmel said.

Newcomers Megan Lafferty, Sophie Allen and Addison Koelle will likely make an impact of the gate as well.

"Their versatility is great because we will be able to use all three of them in the back, fly and free," Schimmel said.

It is also the third event for senior captain Patty DeScenza as she finished 16th in the 100 back (55.73) at the 2009 ACC Championships.

Senior Jackie Davidson will also be a swimmer to look for, especially in the 200 back. Davidson set two personal bests last season in a 19th place finish in the 100 back (55.65), and a 22nd place finish in the 200 back (2:00.19) at the ACC Championships.

Sophomore Caroline Belli also returns in the backstroke for the Terps.