The St. Louis Park girls swim team will face off against Benilde St. Margarets in one of their most competitive meets of the regular season on thursday, Oct. 10. Park is currently undefeated, while Benilde has a record of 4-1.

According to coach Joe Yaeger, this meet is extremely important in terms of conference rankings.

“It normally comes down to us and Benilde for the conference championship,” said Yaeger. “Last year Benilde beat us, which is why they won the conference.”

Many Park sports teams have rivalries with Benilde, and according to freshman varsity team member Emily Doss, the swim team is no different.

“There’s definitely a strong rivalry between us and Benilde,” said Doss.

Even though the girls compete against each other during the high school season, many of them are on the same team for their club season. Doss says this can create some tension between the teammates.

“We’re pretty good friends with some of the Benilde girls from club team,” says Doss. “There’s always a sort of awkwardness when it comes to club season though because we compete against each other in the High School season.”

Although they were defeated by Benilde last year, sophomore varsity swimmer Jamie Halper says that she and the rest of the team are looking forward to the upcoming meet.

“Everyone is really excited to take back what we lost last year,” said Halper.

Yaeger says that the meet will be a fairly difficult one.

“We normally match up very well with them,” says Yaeger. “It all comes down to what’s in the water and who wants each race more.”