Feb. 18, 2003

Stanford, Calif. - The top-ranked collegiate women's water polo team will host the second-ranked team in the world this weekend as No. 1 Stanford takes on the U.S. Women's National team on Saturday, February 22 at 5:30 p.m. in the Avery Aquatic Center. This game marks the first time the U.S. Women's National Team will compete against a college team during the regular season, although the U.S. will play USC and UCLA later this season.

Three former Stanford players return to The Farm as part of the U.S. team. 2002 graduates and members of the 2002 NCAA Championship squad, Margie Dingeldein, Ellen Estes and Kate Pettit will face off against their former team while current Stanford and U.S. players Jackie Frank and Brenda Villa match up against their teammates on the National Team.

Seven Olympians will be in the pool as the U.S. brings Estes, Heather Moody, Bernice Orwig, Nicolle Payne, Heather Petri and Coralie Simmons while Stanford brings Villa.

This is the first game for the U.S. National Team since it claimed second place at the 2002 FINA World Cup in Perth, Australia last December. Villa was named the U.S. Olympic Committee Player of the Month for her contributions to the strong U.S. finish.

Stanford has already compiled a 5-0 record this season by downing five teams in the top-20, two of which are in the top-five (UCLA and California).

For ticket information, please call 1-800-GOSTANFORD.