Florida Women Edge SMU in Dual-Meet Action -- October 21, 2005

DALLAS, Texas, October 21. AS the leadup to the Southern Methodist University Women’s Classic, the University of Florida earned a 125-118 victory over SMU Thursday night at Perkins Natatorium. The dual meet was a precursor to this weekend’s classic, which will feature six of the finer programs in the country. The meet runs Friday and Saturday.

Ranked No. 1 in the country in the College Swimming Coaches Association of America poll, Florida was led by victories from Vipa Bernhardt in the 200 individual medley (2:04.39) and 200 breaststroke (2:16.12).

SMU was powered by Flavia Rigamonti, the Mustangs’ distance ace who earned a silver medal at last summer’s World Championships in Montreal. Rigamonti prevailed in the 1,000 freestyle (9:51.24) and the 500 free (4:49.91). Candace Blackman also won a pair of individual events, as she touched the wall first in the 100 free (50.31) and 200 free (1:47.43).