The Lady Lion swimming and diving team has more at stake than just defeating University of Maryland-Baltimore County at 1 p.m. Sunday at McCoy Natatorium.

This is the last dual meet of the season and the last chance for swimmers to qualify for the Eastern Women's Swimming League Championships, which will be held at the end of February.

"This is the last week we have a shot at qualifying," Coach Bob Krimmel said. "It's an important aspect and we want to get the team ready for Easterns."

Coming off two victories last weekend against Boston University and Brown, the Lady Lions take a 10-3 record into this week's contest. UMBC boasts a 7-5 record.

"This is the first year we swam against UMBC," Krimmel said. "While we don't know a lot about their team, we should be the favorite going in."

Butterfly specialist Kristen Elias is looking for her 24th straight win in the 200-meter butterfly. "This should be a fast meet," she said, "because everyone is trying to make Eastern cuts."

Susan Herzog (freestyle), Stephanie Langham (individual medley and backstroke) and Jackie Wisnauskas (butterfly and freestyle) lead the Retrievers.

"We are not individuals -- we are a team," UMBC Coach Sid Burkot said. "There are 12 girls out there and every one of them is important if we are to do well."

Being from a small division school is a disadvantage for UMBC. "We won't get any better by swimming against smaller schools," Burkot said. "We opened our season against Clemson (No. 4 in the country last year) and by swimming against teams like Penn State, that's how we get better."

Burkot thinks the meet will be fast. "We are going to try to swim as fast as we can. McCoy Natatorium gives a good opportunity to race," he said.

This weekend also holds something special for eight of the Penn State swimmers. Since this is their last home meet of the season, the meet has been designated Senior Day.

"We want it to end for the seniors on a positive note," Krimmel said.

"It's going to be an emotional day," Elias said.