Courtesy: Florida Athletics
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida women’s swimming and diving will welcome in-state rival Miami for their home opener on Nov. 5, 2020 at the Ann Marie Rogers Swimming and Diving Pool inside Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Diving will kick things off at 10:30 a.m., with the swimming events set to follow at 12:00 p.m.
As the University Athletic Association continues to work hand in hand during the COVID-19 pandemic with UF Health, campus leadership and the Southeastern Conference, it has been determined that the general public will not be permitted to attend Thursday morning’s meet.
Fans can follow the dual on Florida’s official Twitter account, @GatorsSwimDV, and the MeetMobile App.
The Gators (0-1) will look to bounce back from a season-opening loss last week to Georgia in Athens, Ga.
In the pool, UF was led by Lain Shahboz as the freshman earned her first collegiate victory in the 100 back with an effort of 54.86. Elizabeth Perez (3-M) and Ashley McCool (1-M) would add event victories as the Gators swept the boards against the Bulldogs. Additionally, McCool and Emma Whitner would finish second and third on the 3-M to join Perez as top-three finishers.
All-American Vanessa Pearl added B-cuts in both breast events to go along with a runner-up nod in the 200 IM to begin her junior campaign. Freshman Cecilia Porter would also notch a B-cut in the 100 breast, finishing right behind Pearl in fourth-place. Katie Mack led Florida’s sprint efforts in Athens, notching a pair of second-place finishes in the 50 and 100 free in her Gator debut.
Florida posted second-place finishes in the 200 medley and 400 free relays. The team of Shahboz, Porter, Kenady Beil and Mack combined for a time of 1:39.97 in the medley relay, marking the first event of their Florida careers. To close out the meet, the 400 free relay of Mack, Hillis, Shahboz and Kathleen Golding touched in second place with a combined effort of 3:24.50
Series History
Florida and Miami, long-time competitors, will face off for the 31st time in the history of both programs on Thursday morning. The Gators currently hold an all-time 28-2 mark.
Last season during UF’s opening week trip to the southern part of Florida, the Gators hit the water against the Hurricanes in Coral Gables. The Gators would go on claim a 209-30 victory after winning all 16 events to move to 2-0 on the season.
In Coach Poppell’s first two seasons as head coach, UF has outscored the Hurricanes 393-185.
Florida’s only two losses came in back-to-back seasons in 1974-75 and 1975-76.
What’s Next
Thursday’s meet with the Hurricanes marks the final dual meet of Florida’s fall portion of their schedule. Some members of the team will get back into action with the US Open in Sarasota next week.
Swimming competition will wrap up on Nov. 18-20 at the Auburn Invitational, while the divers will take to the boards in the final competition of the fall at the Miami Diving Invitational on Dec. 2-4 in Coral Gables.
