The women's swimming and diving team is preparing to dive into the history books this weekend at McCoy Natatorium.

Penn State hosts Big Ten powerhouse Minnesota tomorrow, marking the first time Penn State has hosted a Big Ten swim team as a member of the conference. Even though the Lady Lions competed in the Big Ten last year, all of their meets were on the road.

"It's going to be exciting," Coach Bob Krimmel said. "Last year was exciting, but being on the road got old."

But even more important than any historical implications, tomorrow's meet represents Penn State's first major challenge of the year. Minnesota finished 10th at the NCAA championships last season and features five members who have been named to the All Big Ten team at one point. Senior Trina Thames finished second at NCAAs in the 100 yard backstroke last year.

"Trina Thames is probably the premier backstroker in the Big Ten," Krimmel said.

In addition to Thames, Minnesota also sports the Big Ten individual medley champ from 1990, Linda Oegema, who sat out last season to train for the Olympics.

But the highlight of the meet should be the sprint swimmers. Both Penn State and Minnesota boast talented sprint teams. Minnesota's sprinters edged a talented Penn State group last season at the conference championships.

"They'll pull us along," Krimmel said, referring to the sprinters. "They'll have some great races because they'll race some great people."

"Anything can happen," Penn State sprinter Sarah Duttera said. "It's all whoever has the most explosive power -- that's the key."

Penn State's distance swimmers should be strong also. Heather Nicholson consistently finishes in the top of the standings in the 1650 yard freestyle, and Regan Stacey is tough in the 500 and 1000 yard freestyle.

"We won't blow them out of the water," Stacey said. "But it will be a good meet for both teams."