SWIMMING / PACIFIC 10 CHAMPIONSHIPS : Stanford Women Favored to Extend Their Title Streak

Two-time defending NCAA champion Stanford is favored to win yet another title in the Pacific 10 Conference women’s swimming championships, which begin today at the Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool in Long Beach.

Preliminary heats will be held at 11 a.m. and finals at 6 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday. The 500-yard freestyle, 200 individual medley, 50 freestyle and two relays--the 200 freestyle and 400 medley--are scheduled today.

The top-ranked Cardinal has won every Pac-10 women’s swimming title since the first conference championships in 1987. Last year, Stanford won 10 of 13 individual events and all five relays.

Stanford’s biggest challenge likely will come from sixth-ranked UCLA. Bruin sophomore Richelle Depold will defend her title in the 50 freestyle against Olympian Jenny Thompson of Stanford.

USC, which beat UCLA, 163-135, in a Feb. 12 dual meet, also should win several individual titles.

Trojan freshman Kristine Quance, who won the 400 individual medley at the 1993 Pan Pacific Games, will compete in the 200 IM today, the 100 breaststroke Friday and the 200 breaststroke Saturday.