The Penn State and Maryland women's swimming programs have quite a few similarities.

To start, both are undefeated in dual meets this season.

And both are up-and-coming programs that have been on the road establishing themselves as national forces in collegiate swimming.

However, those roads have not crossed — until now.

The two teams will go head to head for the first time since 1990 tomorrow at Maryland's Campus Recreation Center Natatorium. Since the last meeting and especially in the past three to four years, both teams have been busy making strides at the national level.

"I think it will be an outstanding dual meet," Penn State head coach Bill Dorenkott said. "Even though we're ranked a little higher, I see Maryland as the favorite, in terms of how they've been racing in season and the fact that their sprinters are a little bit stronger than ours."

In that department, Maryland's Suzy Catterson, Katy Novotny and Petra Adamkova are among the best in the country. All three are in the top 15 in the latest nationwide list of top times for the 50 freestyle, and Catterson is also in the top 10 in the 100 backstroke and 100 free.

Additionally, Bridget Mallon is ranked in the top 10 of the 100 and 200 butterflys.

However, Penn State holds a slight advantage in the strokes and distance events. Kristen Woodring has the best time in the country for the 100 breaststroke and the second-best time in the 200 breast, and Katie Anderson is in the top 15 for the 1000 free. According to Dorenkott, these different strengths are what will make the meet between two otherwise similar teams exciting.

"It'll be a good meet because their strengths are our weaknesses, and vice versa," Dorenkott said.

Along with different areas of specialization, Maryland and Penn State also had different schedules during the past week. The Lady Lions last competed on Jan. 5 against Miami and Clemson, and since then they have been going about business as usual.

On the other hand, the Terps, who hadn't competed in a dual meet since Nov. 9, defeated George Washington Wednesday and will face Pittsburgh tonight at home.

Although it may seem as if this busy schedule would be a disadvantage for Maryland, Dorenkott doesn't think it will drain his opponent.

"They almost had to swim some meets," he said, referring to Maryland's approximately two-month break from dual competitions.

"I would have to say, that out of the meets, they're looking forward to ours the most. I'm sure it's all serving to lead into Saturday's meet."