Gymnastics

The Washington gymnastics team will open its 2009 season today ranked in preseason polls. For the second season, the Huskies have received votes, placing 26th in the nation. The team is set to host an Alaska Anchorage team that has been defeated in all three matches against the Huskies in the past.

The Huskies could make that four in a row with three experienced seniors leading a youthful squad over the Seawolves. The Huskies return seven members, including 2008 NCAA all-around qualifier Haley Bogart and 2008 first-team All-Pac-10 (floor) selection Ashley Houghting. The two returning gymnasts have racked up 41 individual event titles combined.

A season-opener win would set the tone for yet another tough schedule, one of the most difficult in the nation. The Huskies can look ahead to playing seven opponents earning places on the preseason coaches’ polls and an eighth team receiving votes.

Men’s/women’s swimming

The UW men’s and women’s swim teams are coming off dual meet victories over Arizona State this past Saturday. The UW men have two weeks off now while the women will travel to Corvallis, Ore. to face the Beavers. After edging past the Sun Devils by one point, the women are looking for their third straight win on the road before returning home to face Minnesota.

Reach reporter Nari Kalafian at sports@dailyuw.com.