MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin men's and women's swim and dive program begins the new year with a home dual meet against Northwestern. The 16th-ranked Badger women (4-0, 1-0 B1G) take on No. 21 Northwestern (5-1, 1-1) while the 24th-ranked UW men (3-1) swim off against the Wildcats (3-1, 0-1) beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Soderholm Family Aquatic Center. 
 
Here are five things to know for this weekend.
 
1. ELITE COMPANY: In the most recent CSCAA rankings, the Badger women are ranked 16th after competing in the Minnesota Invitational in early December, facing previous No. 1 Texas and No. 14 California. Six Big Ten women's teams are ranked among the top 25 in the national rankings. The men's team earned the 24th slot after competing against No. 1 Texas and No. 2 California at the Minnesota Invitational. Five conference teams are ranked in the top 25.
 
2.  UNDEFEATED IN DUAL: The Badger women are currently undefeated (4-0) in dual matchups this season after defeating UC San Diego by over 60 points in their first dual meet of the year. The UW men's team enters this weekend 3-1 in dual meets with its only loss coming at No. 5 Arizona State at the start of the season. The men's team also beat UCSD by an astounding 116 points.
 
3. SIZZLIN' BACON: Junior Phoebe Bacon looks to lead the Badgers to an undefeated regular-season dual meet record. Bacon was recognized as the Big Ten Swimmer of the Week after earning three NCAA B cut times at Minnesota. She is joined by junior Mackenzie McConagha, who finished the UCSD dual meet with three individual wins in the 100 back (56.02), 50 back (23.68), and the 50 fly (25.29), earning Big Ten Athlete of the Week honors. 
 
4. BET ON BENSON: The most recent Big Ten Swimmer of the week recipient for the Badger men, junior Andrew Benson, looks to continue his success in freestyle and the individual medley this weekend. Benson was the top finisher against UCSD, earning two wins in the 100 free (45.66) and the 100 IM (49.56).

5. FOLLOW THE MEET: Meet results will be posted live through the Meet Mobile App.  Follow us on Instagram and Twitter for all the inside scoop throughout the meet @BadgerSwimDive.