With a four-year history behind the Irish-St. Bonaventure men's swimming rivalry, it's safe to say that the men's swimming and diving team feels fairly confident that they've got the home court advantage.

After all, the home team has won the matchup each of the four years.

With their season dual meet record at 4-4 after a win over Oakland University last weekend, the Irish will face an eager St. Bonaventure team who is ready to break the home victory streak. Stepping up and defeating Oakland behind the record-setting performance of senior diver Herb Huesman, the Irish are set up to clinch two key meets at the conclusion of the season. But it won't be easy.

"St. Bonaventure is always a competitive team," said head coach Tim Welsh. "This team has excellent racers, and they like the challenge of racing."

As in previous matchups, when it comes to the numbers, there is no clear winner. With an Irish distance squad led by Jonathan Pierce and Eliot Drury, Notre Dame could edge Bonaventure in the distance, but they're likely to respond in the sprint events, Welsh said.

"The races at this meet will be to our ultimate advantage," Welsh said. "Whatever happens at this meet is good news. Because we're balanced, as far as points, everyone counts the same."

Heading into Big East championships in two weeks, this meet will serve as a critical checkpoint for the team, no matter what the outcome.

"We have to look carefully at these results, and see where we are, and what we have to tune up and polish," Welsh said.

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