Despite boasting experienced team members and working hard in preseason practices, the men and women’s swim and dive teams have struggled early.

On April 4 the Grizzlies (1-1 EBAL) traveled to San Ramon to swim against the Wolves. The men lost 111-79 and the women lost 98-88. The men fell to Monte Vista 198.5-70.5 on March 21, dropping the team’s record to 0-3 in the EBAL. The women lost to Monte Vista 111-62.

“We need to improve on our sprint races in order to compete with San Ramon and Monte Vista,” said coach Anja Klein.

Over Spring Break, the Grizzlies implemented double day practice with hopes of preparing for tough upcoming league meets.

“Even though double days are grueling, they help us become a better team in the end,” said senior Nate Kwon.

Two returning divers helped the Grizzlies earn a win over Granada on March 19. For the men, junior diver Nick Mancini, took first place with a score of 137, and senior Kevin VanNorsdall came in second place with a score of 135. But the Grizzlies fell to Foothill on March 14.

“We have to have no fear and get past mind blocks,” said senior Kalie Messick.

On March 5, both the men and women’s swim teams tacked on wins by beating Castro Valley 99-75 and 91-79, respectively.

“We are returning a lot of good underclassmen this year which helps us because everyone knows each other’s tendencies,” said senior swimmer Jordan Daylor.

Cal was able to demonstrate its experience during its season opener against Dublin on Feb. 28.

New additions to the team helped beat the Gaels as the men won 115-54, and the women 135-35.

“We went into the meet knowing we needed to make a stand and show what were capable of,” said sophomore Kyle Stelter.

Last year, both teams earned a slot in NCS and the Grizzlies hope they will clinch another slot this year.

“NCS is a very attainable goal for both teams,” said Kevin. “Hopefully all of those early morning practices will pay off in the long run.”

The Grizzlies travel to Livermore for a 4 p.m. meet on Friday.