LA JOLLA, Calif. – Cal State East Bay will face off against the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) nationally ranked No. 6 squad UC San Diego on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m. The Pioneers and Tritons will compete at the Canyonview Aquatic Center in the city of La Jolla.

Arguably the top senior for both squads reunite as seniors in college after being teammates at Davis Senior High School. UC San Diego's Anji Shakya is the reigning NCAA Division II National Champion in the 200-yard freestyle and a six-time All-American last season. Cal State East Bay's Caitlin DeNise was a two-time All-American last season and currently holds five top-30 times and a pair of top-12 nationally ranked marks in all of Division II this year.

The dynamic duo competed together as part of the Davis Senior HS squad that won the Delta Valley League title each of their four years. In addition they led DSHS to a runner-up finish at Sac-Joaquin Section runner-ups as seniors.

DeNise is coming off arguably her best career effort at the La Verne Winter Invitational. She was part or the sole owner of six event victories, three school records, and 10 NCAA Division National "B" cut qualifying marks. Shakya currently holds the nation's top time in the 500 free (4:50.30) as the only swimmer under 4 minutes, 52 seconds this season. She also ranks second nationwide in the 200 free (1:50.00).

On Jan. 5, 2013, the two squads faced off for the first time in program history. The host Tritons took out the Pioneers 132-67 with Shakya winning the 200 free, 500 free, and leading off the victorious 4x100 medley relay.

Cal State East Bay received votes towards the most recent CSCAA top-25 national team rankings. The reigning Pacific Collegiate Swim Conference (PCSC) Coach of the Year Ben Loorz boasts a squad that currently holds several top-20 national relay marks, along with top-50 nationally ranked individual marks from Brittany Rojo, Mariam Lowe, Alyssa Tenney, Rachel Knowles, and Kamaehu Alboro.