Seismic Shifts in Latest CSCAA NCAA Women’s Division I Poll

PHOENIX, Arizona, January 30. THE College Swim Coaches Association of America has released its latest NCAA Women's Division I rankings, with Southern California still at the top as the undisputed top dual meet country in the nation. However, the rest of the rankings tell a turbulent tale that includes the Tennessee Lady Volunteers skyrocketing into the top five.

The goal of the CSCAA rankings committee this year will be to produce an in-season poll of the 25 best performing teams in rank order at the time of each poll. The poll is not designed to predict the results of the NCAA Championship, but rather which teams would win head-to-head against other teams in the country.

Specifically, the poll committee does not differentiate between the types of meets, or the status of a specific team in terms of rested vs. unrested, when considering votes. Further, rankings are only based on performances that have taken place up to that point in the season.

Notably, Swimming World has been invited as a media member as part of the polling process, and now has a vote in each poll. Jason Marsteller is serving as Swimming World's representative on these calls.

#1 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (8-0, Pac 12 4-0)
Last Poll: 1

Results
W, Utah, 165-88
W, San Diego, 157.5-125.5
1st, SMU Classic
W, Washington State, 137-58
W, #9 Arizona, 155-134
W, #16 Arizona State, 118-116
Arena Cup
U.S. Winter Short Course Nationals
W, Hawaii, 158-146
W, Boise State, 163-41
W, Wisconsin, 144.5-109.5
—Since last poll—
Bruin Diving Invitational

Since the last poll, the Trojans have been mostly idle other than competing in the Bruin Diving Invitational. This weekend, USC hits the road with big back-to-back meets against California and Stanford in what could cement the squad's final No. 1 ranking. Sophomore Haley Ishimatsu dominated at the Bruin Diving Invitation with wins on the platform and three-meter events.

#2 STANFORD (5-1, Pac 12 2-0)
Last Poll: 8

Results
W, San Jose State, 162.5-135.5
W, #23 Wisconsin, 159-130
L, #7 Texas, 151.5-148.5
Arizona Diving Invitational
2nd, Ohio State Invitational
W, Pacific, 147-104
Bruin Diving Invitational
—Since last poll—
W, #20 Arizona State, 125-110
W, #6 Arizona, 161-139

The Stanford Cardinal put a hurting to the Arizona-based Pacific 12 teams, earning a road sweep of then No. 6 Arizona and then No. 20 Arizona State. After stifling the Sun Devils in what proved to be a heavily exhibitioned score, the Cardinal then knocked off Arizona in a come-from-behind fashion. Maya Dirado keyed the win for Stanford with wins in the 200 back and 200 IM. Those huge wins were enough to shoot Stanford up to second in the rankings.

#3 AUBURN (7-0, SEC 4-0)
Last Poll: 4

Results
W, Alabama, 182-62
W, LSU, 218.5-78.5
W, Notre Dame, 166-132
W, @ Kentucky, 212.5-87.5
Georgia Invitational
Auburn Diving Invitational
Tennessee Diving Invitational
W, #5 Texas, 153-145
W, #2 Texas A&M, 158-141
—Since last poll—
Ralph Crocker Classic
W, #9 Florida, 161-138

The Auburn Tigers concluded their regular season with a victory over then No. 9 Florida, giving the squad a final record of 7-0 and 4-0 in Southeastern Conference competition. Senior Hannah Riordan proved to be a dynamic swimmer in her final home competition at the James E. Martin Aquatic Center as she won the 50 free and 100 free, and helped Auburn to wins in both the 200 medley and 400 freestyle relays.

#4 TENNESSEE (7-0, SEC 2-0)
Last Poll: 11

Results
W, @UNC-Wilmington, 195-99
W, @Kentucky, 201-98
W, Indiana, 183-117
W, Louisville, 190-107
W, Ohio State, 191-109
1st, Tennessee Invitational
Tennessee Diving Invitational
W, Virginia Tech, 186-108
—Since last poll—
W, #2 Georgia, 161-139

A year ago, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers made the nation stand up and take notice with a rare dual meet victory against Florida. This year, the Lady Vols stunned then No. 2 Georgia for its first win in the series since 1989. Junior Lindsay Gendron demonstrated some remarkable grit, taking down Olympic medalist Allison Schmitt in both the 200 and 500 freestyle events. Senior Kelsey Floyd (100, 200 fly), Molly Hannis (100, 200 breast) and Faith Johnson (50, 100 free) also turned in multiple victories in the statement win, which skyrocketed Tennessee into the top five in the nation.

#5 ARIZONA (8-3, Pac 12 3-3)
Last Poll: 6

Results
W, Hawaii, No score reported
W, Washington State, 121-76
W, UNLV, 188-105
W, Denver, 204-86
L, @ #1 USC, 155-134
L, @ #15 UCLA, 157-141
Arizona Diving Invitational
U.S. Winter Short Course Nationals
W, Oregon State, 218-69
W, Northern Arizona, 221-76
W, New Mexico State, 221-76
Bruin Diving Invitational
—Since last poll—
W, #3 California, 168.5-112.5
L, #8 Stanford, 161-139

After a huge victory over then No. 3 California, and two-time defending national champs to boot, the Wildcats were riding high. Unfortunately for the Cats, they suffered a bit of a letdown with a loss against then No. 8 Stanford. Junior Margo Geer and sophomore Bonnie Brandon led the way with two wins each against Cal. Geer prevailed in the 100 and 200 free, while Brandon triumphed in the 500 and 1000 frees. Geer then returned with a win in the 100 free against Stanford in the loss to the Cardinal.

#6 GEORGIA (8-1, SEC 4-1)
Last Poll: 2

Results
W, @Georgia Tech, 176-115
W, @Arkansas, 187-113
W, Florida, 188-110
W, Missouri, 186-106
W, Emory, 111-86
Georgia Invitational
Tennessee Diving Invitational
W, SCAD, 178-73
W, N.C. State, 151-99
W, #5 Texas, 143-100
—Since last poll—
L, #11 Tennessee, 161-139

Just weeks after a huge triumph over then No. 5 Texas vaulted Georgia into second, the Lady Bulldogs might have overlooked then No. 11 Tennessee in a lost in Knoxville. The loss was Georgia's first SEC dual meet loss since losing to Florida in 2006. Meanwhile, it was Tennessee's first win against Georgia since back in 1989. While Tennessee definitely had the brighter stars in the dual meet, Georgia's Amber McDermott (1650 free), Hali Flickinger (200 breast), Melanie Margalis (400 IM) and Laura Ryan (1M) managed to secure victories in the event. The loss to Tennessee dropped UGA out of the top five.

#7 CALIFORNIA (5-1, Pac 12 2-1)
Last Poll: 3

Schedule
1st, Early Bird Invitational
W, @BYU, 158-118
W, @Utah, 184-115
W, #7 Texas, 172-128
W, #23 Wisconsin, 170-110
1st, Arena Cup
Arizona Diving Invitational
2nd, Georgia Invitational
Bruin Diving Invitational
—Since last poll—
L, #6 Arizona, 168.5-112.5
W, #20 Arizona State, 177-121

California split a Pacific 12 Arizona road trip since the last poll, falling to the Wildcats in Tucson before taking care of business against the Sun Devils in Tempe. Individually, senior star Caitlin Leverenz had a productive homecoming as the Tucson native captured victories in the 100 breast and 200 breast. She then paired with fellow Olympian Rachel Bootsma to dominate Arizona State. Leverenz clinched a trio of wins in the 200 fly, 200 breast and 200 IM, while Bootsma topped the 100 fly and 100 back, beating teammate and two-time defending NCAA champion Cindy Tran in the process in the 100 back. The loss to Arizona dropped Cal out of the top five.

#8 FLORIDA (2-4, SEC 1-3)
Last Poll: 9

Results
1st, All Florida Invitational
3rd, SMU Classic
L, @Georgia, 188-110
W, @South Carolina, 176-119
L, #4 Texas A&M, 196-104
L, Florida State, 157-143
1st, Ohio State Invitational
—Since last poll—
W, Florida Atlantic, 169-106
L, #4 Auburn, 161-138

More than a month after their last competition, the Florida Gators returned with a quick victory of in-state foe Florida Atlantic before being outmatched by an Auburn team that finished the year undefeated. Elizabeth Beisel shined against FAU, nearly beating a 24-year-old school record in the 1650 free with a 15:53.22, the third-best time in Florida history and what she claimed on Twitter to be her final mile ever. She then picked up a trio of wins against Auburn with triumphs in the 200 fly, 200 back and 200 IM.

#9 TEXAS A&M (7-1, SEC 3-1)
Last Poll: 5

Results
W, @South Carolina, 190-102
W, North Carolina, 174.5-123.5
W, @SMU, 153-103
W, @ #11 Florida, 196-104
1st, Phill Hansel Invitational
W, Rice, 168-94
L, #11 Auburn, 158-141
—Since last poll—
W, Incarnate Word, 139-98
W, LSU, 179-107

With the difficult part of its schedule out of the way after a loss to then No. 11 Auburn, Texas A&M tuned up against Incarnate Word and LSU since the last poll. The Aggies primarily swam off events against Incarnate Word, including the likes of all-everything breaststroker winning the 200 IM. Against LSU, Texas A&M brought a bit more to the plate in terms of firepower. Olympians Cammile Adams and Larson both claimed multiple wins. Adams won the 200 fly and 400 IM, while Larson clinched the 100 and 200 breaststroke events. Meanwhile, diver Rebecca St. Germain swept the diving boards.

#10 TEXAS (4-3, Big 12 1-0)
Last Poll: 7

Results
4th, SMU Classic
W, Indiana, 172-128
W, Michigan, 217-83
L, @ #3 California, 172-128
W, @ #5 Stanford, 151.5-148.5
Phill Hansel Invitational
U.S. Winter Short Course Nationals (split squad)
Ohio State Invite (split squad)
L, #11 Auburn, 153-145
L, #3 Georgia, 143-100
—Since last poll—
W, TCU, 147-74

The Longhorns licked their wounds after a pair of tough losses prior to the last poll, which resulted in falling out of the top five. Since then, Texas got healthy by nearly doubling up in-state foes TCU. The Longhorns topped every event, albeit many as exhibition swims.

#11 VIRGINIA (9-0, ACC 2-0)
Last Poll: 10

Results
W, Navy, 168-118
W, @Pittsburgh, 155-131
W, South Carolina, 161-124
W, @ #11 Indiana, 226-126
W, Penn State, 210-141
3rd, Georgia Invitational
Tennessee Diving Invitational
—Since last poll—
W, #16 North Carolina, 169-131
W, Duke, 152-122
W, Virginia Tech, 214-151
W, Wisconsin, 182-176

With a busy two slate since the last poll, the Cavaliers managed to claim four more wins to run their record to an unblemished 9-0, the second straight season Virginia went undefeated. The big win occurred against rivals North Carolina in what always in an intense competition. Olympian Lauren Perdue continues to shine in her senior season, winning the 200 free, 50 free and 100 free against the Tar Heels.

#12 UCLA (11-0, Pac 12 5-0)
Last Poll: 12

Results
W, Oregon State, 197-92
W, UC Santa Barbara, 198-110
W, Utah, 211-83
W, UC-Davis, 136-119
W, Washington State, 15-97
W, #16 Arizona State, 190.5-108.5
W, San Diego, 198-92
W, #9 Arizona, 157-141
Arena Invitational
Phill Hansel Invitational (diving)
U.S. Winter Short Course Nationals
Bruin Diving Invitational
W, Kansas, 218-81
W, San Diego State, 185-114
—Since last poll—
W, Simon Fraser, 114-72
Air Force Diving Invitational

Sophomore diver Emma Ivory-Ganja won the platform event at the Air Force Diving Invite, while the Bruin swimmers roughed up Simon Fraser as junior Anna Senko captured wins in the 200 IM and 100 back. Simon Fraser managed only one event win in the 100 breast.

#13 INDIANA (4-4, Big Ten 2-1)
Last Poll: 22

Results
W, @Kentucky, 189-111
L, Tennessee, 183-117
W, Michigan, 223-77
L, @Texas, 172-128
L, Penn State, 214.5-137.5
L, Virginia, 235-117
U.S. Winter Short Course Nationals (split squad)
Ohio State Invitational (split squad)
—Since last poll—
W, #19 Notre Dame, 175-125
W, Purdue, 179-121

The Hoosiers had a huge win in terms of some in-state recruiting bragging rights, sweeping Purdue and Notre Dame. During Senior Day against the Fighting Irish, Indiana managed to triumph in the battle between ranked foes. Brooklyn Snodgrass topped the 100 and 200 backstroke in the win. Snodgrass then led Indiana as the Hoosiers stomped the Boilermakers in front of a nationally-televised audience on the Big Ten Network. Snodgrass managed to win a trio of events against Purdue with a sweep of the backstroke events and a victory in the 200 IM. The pair of wins jumped IU nearly 10 spots, back into the top 15 in the nation.

#14 NORTH CAROLINA (4-2, ACC 2-1)
Last Poll: 16

Results
W, @South Carolina, 198-99
L, Texas A&M, 174.5-123.5
2nd, SMU Classic
W, Virginia Tech, 175-120
2nd, Nike Cup
4th, Ohio State Invitational
Tennessee Diving Invitational
Penn State Relay Duel
W, Navy, 213-84
—Since last poll—
L, #10 Virginia, 169-131
W, Duke, 166-127

The Tar Heels suffered an emotional loss to Atlantic Coast rivals Virginia before scoring a win against in-state rivals Duke. Junior Stephanie Peacock dominated Virginia in the distance events with wins in the 500 and 1000 free, including a pool record time of 9:37.14 in the 1000. UNC then had a decisive conquest of Duke, with 10 event victories even though the meet nearly was called off due to inclement weather.

#15 LOUISVILLE (4-1, Big East 2-0)
Last Poll: 17

Results
W, Xavier, 183-73
5th, SMU Classic
L, @Tennessee, 190-107
W, #18 Notre Dame, 162-138
2nd, Purdue Invitational
U.S. Winter Short Course Championships
Sarasota Invitational
W, Cincinnati, 188-104
—Since last poll—
W, Kentucky, 168-132

The Louisville Cardinals tuned up for a big upcoming meet against Indiana with an in-state triumph over Kentucky. Abby Chin (500, 1000 free), Kelsi Worrell (50, 100 free) and Tanja Kylliainen (200 fly, 200 IM) paced Louisville with multiple triumphs against the Wildcats.

#T16 MICHIGAN (4-4, Big Ten 4-2)
Last Poll: 25

Results
W, Wisconsin, 157-143
L, Minnesota, 196-99
L, Indiana, 223-77
L, @Texas, 217-83
Purdue Invitational
Hawkeye Invitational
Mike Peppe Invitational, NTS
1st, Orange Bowl Classic
L, Notre Dame, 185-115
W, Northwestern, 192-108
—Since last poll—
W, #15 Ohio State, 163-137
W, Michigan State, 174-120

A pair of Big Ten victories, including a huge win over arch-rival Ohio State, shot Michigan into the outskirts of the top 15. Senior Adrienne Bicek and junior Angela Chokran led the way for the Wolverines against Ohio State as both won a pair of races. Bicek swept the distance frees with wins in the 500 and 1000 free, while Chokran earned the 100 and 200 breast triumphs.

#T16 MINNESOTA (7-0, Big Ten 3-0)
Last Poll: 13

Results
W, @Michigan, 196-99
W, Iowa State, 144-140
W, @Kansas, 179-119
W, Wisconsin, 183-112
W, Iowa, 192-103
Minnesota Grand Prix
Jean Freeman Invite
W, Hawaii, 201-92
—Since last poll—
W, North Dakota, 196-94

Minnesota definitely has not had the toughest schedule this year, but the Golden Gophers have still managed to put up enough impressive performances to keep the panelists interested. Against North Dakota, Kierra Smith claimed three victories in the 100 breast, 200 breast and 200 IM. Jessica Plant also had a pair of wins in the 100 back and 500 free, while Maggie Keefer swept diving.

#18 ARKANSAS (9-1, SEC 3-1)
Last Poll: 18

Results
1st, Razorback Relays
L, Georgia, 187-113
W, Southern Illinois, 244-56
W, Kentucky, 212-88
W, @Missouri, 197-103
Phill Hansel Invitational
W, #12 Penn State, 151.5-146.5
W, Missouri State, 250-50
—Since last poll—
W, South Carolina, 223-77
W, #21 Florida State, 167-133
W, Davidson, 194-96
W, Queens, 191-85

A week after a huge victory against then No. 12 Penn State vaulted the Razorbacks into the top 20, Arkansas followed that up with a 4-0 record including a ranked win over Florida State. Sophomore Lauren Jordan, who would be featured on the Morning Swim Show (http://tv.swimmingworldmagazine.com/shows/the-morning-swim-show/morning-swim-show-episodes/19442) just days later, swept the distance events with triumphs in the 500 free and 1000 free.

#T19 WISCONSIN (5-6, Big Ten 2-2)
Last Poll: NR

Results
W, Michigan State, 209-91
L, Michigan, 157-143
W, Milwaukee, 175-118
W, Green Bay, 140-94
L, Minnesota, 183-112
L, Stanford, 159-130
L, California, 170-110
W, Northwestern, 173-121
Ohio State Invitational
—Since last poll—
L, USC, 144.5-109.5
W, Virginia Tech, 206-159
L, Virginia, 182-176

Wisconsin might have had a pair of losses since the last poll, but the times impressed the panel as the Badgers jumped into the top 20 after residing outside the top 25. Against Virginia and Virginia Tech, sophomore Ivy Martin took down a pool record with a 22.36 in the 50 free.

#T19 NOTRE DAME (3-4, Big East 1-1)
Last Poll: 19

Results
1st, Dennis Stark Relays
L, @Auburn, 166-132
L, #24 Purdue, 152-148
W, Pittsburgh, 188-112
L, #19 Louisville, 162-138
1st, Kansas Women's Classic
Hawkeye Invitational (diving)
5th, Ohio State Invitational
W, Michigan, 185-115
W, Northwestern, 205-95
—Since last poll—
L, #22 Indiana, 175-125
1st, Shamrock Invitational

Head coach Brian Barnes returned to his alma mater as part of an in-state loss to then No. 22 Indiana. Emma Reaney, however, continued her stellar season with triumphs in the 100 breast, 200 breast and 200 IM against the Hoosiers. Reaney then led the Irish to the Shamrock Invitational win with titles in the 100 fly, 100 free and 200 IM. Notably, ESPN's Mike Golic wound up filling public address duties at the Shamrock Invitational as a need presented itself with him in town to support his daughter, freshman Sydney Golic.

#21 OHIO STATE (7-2, Big Ten 0-1)
Last Poll: 15

Results
W, Cleveland State, 179-110
W, Kenyon, 168-119
W, Denison, 178.5-110.5
L, @ #8 Tennessee, 191-109
W, @ Ohio, 182-112
3rd, Ohio State Invitational
W, Wright State, 171-102
W, Toledo, 189-104
—Since last poll—
L, #25 Michigan, 163-137
W, Cincinnati, 171-115

Ohio State ran into a tremendous amount of adversity leading into the Big Meet against Big Ten rival Michigan. The Wolverines, however, had no mercy as they turned up the heat to win the competition. In a press release, the Buckeyes explained away the loss with head coach Bill Dorenkott away due to his father-in-law's funeral and Michelle Williams being out due to injury as well as Kelly Ann Baird competing with an illness. Dorenkott, personally, however took a high road in giving Michigan its due.

“I love being a Buckeye,” Dorenkott said. “I am proud of our team and believe that we are going to be outstanding this season. Unfortunately, the other team got the best of us tonight. My hope is that it deepens our resolve to represent Ohio State at the highest levels as we move forward.”

#21 FLORIDA STATE (13-1, ACC 5-0)
Last Poll: 21

Results
2nd, All Florida Invitational
W, @Florida Gulf Coast, 173-122
W, @Miami, 184-115
W, @Florida Atlantic, 181-114
W, Florida International, 189-101
W, Virginia Tech, 179-120
W, UNC-Wilmington, 246-54
W, Duke, 203-91
W, Florida Southern, 179.5-91.5
W, Emory, 185-102
W, Florida, 157-143
1st, Georgia Tech Invitational
—Since last poll—
W, South Carolina, 190-109
L, #18 Arkansas, 167-133
W, N.C. State, 155-143
W, Georgia Tech, 226-72

After more than a month away from competition, the Seminoles finished up their regular season with a flurry, ending the year with a 13-1 record, including an unblemished 5-0 record in Atlantic Coast Conference contests. FSU suffered its only loss in a tri-meet with Southeastern Conference foes Arkansas and South Carolina. The Seminoles then bounced back with a close win against N.C. State and a trouncing of Georgia Tech.

#23 ARIZONA STATE (4-4, Pac 12 2-4)
Last Poll: 20

Results
W, Grand Canyon, 179-80
W, Washington State, 170-88
L, @ #15 UCLA, 190.5-108.5
L, @ #1 USC, 118-116
2nd, Arena Cup
Arizona Diving Invitational
W, Utah, 154-121
W, BYU, 201-94
Bruin Diving Invitational
—Since last poll—
L, #8 Stanford, 125-110
L, #3 California, 177-121

The Sun Devils suffered a pair of Pacific 12 defeats against top 10 teams in California and Stanford in what proved to be a severely rainy weekend at the Mona Plummer Aquatic Center. Against Stanford, Morgan Weller set a school record on the three-meter springboard with 350.25 points. Senior Shannon Landgrebe had a strong day against Cal during Senior Day festivities with a win in the 200 free. Senior Lizzy Luttrell also registered a win in the 200 back.

#24 PENN STATE (5-2, Big Ten 1-0)
Last Poll: 14

Results
W, West Virginia, 146-97
W, Villanova, 177-116
W, Indiana, 207.5-144.5
L, Virginia, 210-141
5th, Georgia Invitational
Tennessee Diving Invitational
North Carolina Relay Duels
L, Arkansas, 151.5-146.5
W, Missouri State, 235-59
—Since last poll—
W, Navy, 185-107

Penn State had one competition since the last poll and proved successful in an outing against Navy. Melissa Rodriguez, a spring semester addition from Chihuahua, Mexico, earned a pair of wins for PSU with triumphs in the 100 breast and 200 breast. Meanwhile, Gabi Shishkoff, Megan Springsteen and Paige Whitmire each also scored a pair of victories against the Naval Academy.

#25 PURDUE (5-1, Big Ten 2-1)
Last Poll: NR

Results
W, Miami, 179-109
1st, Indiana Intercollegiates
W, Notre Dame, 152-148
W, Northwestern, 187-113
1st, Purdue Invitational
Ohio State Invitational (Diving)
W, Florida Atlantic, 123-81
—Since last poll—
W, Michigan State, 165-124
L, #22 Indiana, 179-121

The Boilermakers might have suffered a loss to arch-rival Indiana, but the performances at the event drew the attention of the panelists as Purdue moved into the top 25. Senior Lauren Gustafson swept the 50 and 100 freestyle events to spark Purdue in its competition against Indiana.

Also received votes: N.C. State, Boise State, Missouri, LSU, Utah
Dropped out: SMU, Missouri

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