Texas A&M Gig Their Way To Top Spot On CSCAA Women’s Division I Coaches Poll

PHOENIX, Arizona, November 26. A slew of top-notch performances at various invitational meets across the country this past weekend greatly changed the lineup of the College Swim Coaches Association of America’s poll of the top Division I women’s swimming and diving teams, with the Texas A&M Aggies unseating California for the first time this season.

The goal of the CSCAA rankings committee is 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 versus unrested, when considering votes. Further, rankings are only based on performances that have taken place up to that point in the season, with an emphasis on action from the previous poll.

Swimming World has been invited as a media member to participate in the polling process, and has a vote in each poll. Jeff Commings serves as Swimming World’s representative on these weekly conference calls.

1. Texas A&M (3-0, 2-0 SEC)
Previous rank: 4

Results
W at Vanderbilt (10/12), 154.5-98.5
W vs. Texas (10/18), 152-148
W at Missouri (11/1), 159-118

Since last poll:
Art Adamson Invitational (11/21-23)

Next competition: December 20 vs. Rice

Led by NCAA automatic qualifying times from Breeja Larson, Cammile Adams and Liliana Ibanez, the Aggies put on a show at their home pool over the weekend. Larson and Adams put up the top times in the country in a few events, while Ibanez set herself up for title contention in freestyle races. Relays also improved for the Aggies, including the 200 and 400 freestyle relays.

2. Stanford (4-0, 2-0 Pac 12)
Previous rank: 7

Results
W vs. San Jose State (9/26), 138-100
W vs. Washington State (10/3), 147-104
W at Oregon State (10-25), 170-88
W vs. Wisconsin (11/2), 201-85

Since last poll:
Art Adamson Invitational (11/21-23)

Next competition: January 4 at Texas

Several swims by Maya DiRado, Felicia Lee, Lia Neal and Maddy Schaefer in College Station gave the Cardinal a big boost in the rankings. Relays also made a big jump in the rankings, especially the 800 free relay that could potentially challenge Georgia, Cal and others at the end of the season.

3. California (4-0, 2-0 Pac 12)
Previous rank: 1

Results
W at Oregon State (9/27), 161-95
W vs. Washington State (10/4), 164-89
W vs. Florida (10/19-20), 238-210
W vs. Wisconsin (11/1), 163-111

Since last poll:
UNLV Fall Invitational (11/21-23)

Next competition: December 5-7 at USA Swimming nationals

With the USA Swimming nationals coming up in less than two weeks, the California Golden Bears used the UNLV Invite as a chance to try out some off-events, including Elizabeth Pelton in the 500 free and 400 IM, and Missy Franklin in the 400 IM as well. Cindy Tran shone in the 100 back and the depth came out in sweeps of a few relay events.

4. Georgia (6-0, 3-0 SEC)
Previous rank: 2

Results
W vs. Kentucky (9/25), 165-98
W vs. Wisconsin (10/4-5), 182-136
W vs. Georgia Tech (10/15), 187-88
W at LSU (10/18), 170.5-118.5
W at Florida (11/7), 162-138

Since last poll:
W vs. Emory (11/15), 137-73
Auburn Invitational (11/22-24)

Next competition: January 4 vs. North Carolina State

Melanie Margalis had a standout weekend at the Auburn Invitational, winning five events in times that could contend for top-eight places at the NCAA championships.

5. Florida (2-2, 2-1 SEC)
Previous rank: 5

Results
All-Florida Invite (9/27-29), first place
W at Missouri (10/17), 181-109
L at California (10/19-20), 238-210
L vs. Georgia (11/1), 162-138
W vs. Alabama (11/7), 179-113

Since last poll:
Buckeye Invitational (11/22-24)

Next competition: January 4 vs. Florida State

The Gators took the Buckeye Invitational by storm, posting times that would place in the top three at the NCAA championships in a few events. Elizabeth Beisel, Sinead Russell, Natalie Hinds and others ended their fall competition season with some swims that look to put Florida on track for a good second half of the swim season.

6. Southern California (3-0, 3-0 Pac 12)
Previous rank: 3

Results
W at Washington State (10/18), 146-116
SMU Classic (10/18-19), first place
W at Arizona State (11/8), 167-128
W at Arizona (11/9), 167-133

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: December 5-7 at Texas Invitational

7. Virginia (4-1, 0-0 ACC)
Previous rank: 12

Results
W at Navy (10/25), 250-50
W vs. Yale (at Navy) (10/25), 237-63
L vs. Texas (11/8-9), 196-157
W vs. Penn State (11/8-9), 226-127
W vs. West Virginia (11/8-9), 288-50

Since last poll:
Buckeye Invitational (11/22-24)

Next competition: January 17 vs. Miami, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin

Courtney Bartholomew’s stunning times in the backstrokes at the Buckeye Invite made a big case for another big jump up the college rankings for the Cavaliers.

8. North Carolina (6-1, 1-0 ACC)
Previous rank: 8

Results
W at Virginia Tech (10/11), 233-120
W vs. Radford (at Virginia Tech) (10/11), 289-55
W vs. Liberty (at Virginia Tech) (10/11), 262-87
W vs. James Madison (at Virginia Tech) (10/11), 272.5-80.5
L at Texas (10/17), 171-129
W at TCU (10/18), 200-97
SMU Classic (10/18-19), third place
W vs Louisville (11/1-2), 213-140

Since last poll:
Dowd Nike Cup (11/21-23)

Next competition: January 11 vs. Navy

Stephanie Peacock rose to the occasion last week and posted very fast distance freestyle times to give the Tar Heels a big boost at their home pool. But she wasn’t the only one making big strides last weekend. Meredith Hoover’s and Lauren Earp’s school records also highlighted the competition, as well as the Tar Heels’ depth in the distance freestyle.

9. Texas (7-1, 1-0 Big 12)
Previous rank: 6

Results
W vs. Rice (10/11), 149-99
W vs. North Carolina (10/17), 171-129
L at Texas A&M (10/18), 152-148
W at Indiana (10/25) 155-141
W vs. Michigan (at Indiana) (10/25), 210-90
W at Virginia (11/8-9), 196-157
W vs. Penn State (at Virginia) (11/8-9), 242-111
W vs. West Virginia (at Virginia) (11/8-9), 297-41

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: December 5-7 at Texas Invitational

10. Minnesota (5-0, 3-0 Big Ten)
Previous rank: 14

Results
W vs. Arizona State (10/5), 197-94
W vs. Michigan (10/11), 174.5-125.5
W at Wisconsin (10/18-19), 218-152
W at Iowa (11/1), 194-101
W at North Dakota (11/9), 179-114

Since last poll:
Minneapolis Grand Prix (11/14-16)

Next competition: December 6-7 at Jean Freeman Invite

Thanks to a nation-leading time in the 200 breast to automatically qualify for the NCAA championships, Kierra Smith helped the Golden Gophers climb a few spots in the poll. Other swimmers, including Kiera Janzen and Breanna Siwicki, posted some impressive swims against Olympians and national champions.

11. Tennessee (5-0, 1-0 SEC)
Previous rank: 9

Results
W at UNC-Wilmington (9/27), 178-116
W vs. South Carolina (10/18), 169-124
W at Louisville (10/24), 170-130
W at Indiana (11/1), 171-123
W vs Kentucky (at Indiana) (11/1), 214-84

Since last poll:
Georgia Tech Invitational (11/22-24)

Next competition: December 5-7 at USA Swimming nationals

The Volunteers appear to be saving their best midseason swims for the USA Swimming nationals, which will be held in their home pool next week. None of the women put up automatic qualifying times at the Georgia Tech Invite, though a few members of the team improved slightly on their in-season bests.

12. Auburn (3-0, 1-0 SEC)
Previous rank: 15

Results
W at Vanderbilt (9/27), 158-44
Dennis Stark Relays (10/11), first place
W at Notre Dame (10/12), 180-120
W vs. Indiana (at Notre Dame) (10/12), 180-120
Royals Invite (10/25), unscored

Since last poll:
Auburn Invitational (11/22-24)

Next competition: January 18-19 at Ralph Crocker Invite

Auburn hosted a strong group of teams, including conference rival Georgia, last weekend, and came away with a few times that crept up a few spots in the national rankings. A few relays gained automatic NCAA qualifying times to help keep the Tigers competitive nationally.

13. Arizona (4-1, 2-1 Pac 12)
Previous rank: 11

Results
W at Utah (10/19), 204-96
W vs. UNLV (10/25), 183-109
W vs. UCLA (11/8), 151-149
L vs. USC (11/9), 167-133

Since last poll:
W vs. Boise State (11/23) 172-106

Next competition: December 5-7 at Texas Invitational

Arizona made some final race preparations for the Texas Invite with a dual meet against Boise State. No one swam in-season bests, but the Wildcats should make a big statement next week in Austin.

14. Indiana (3-3, 1-0 Big Ten)
Previous rank: 10

Results
Dennis Stark Relays (10/11), third place
W at Notre Dame (10/12), 155-145
L vs. Auburn (at Notre Dame) (10/12), 180-120
SMU Classic (10/18-19), second place
W vs. Michigan (10/25), 181-119
L vs. Texas (10/25), 158.5-141.5
L vs. Tennessee (11/1), 171-123
W vs. Kentucky (11/1), 199-95

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: December 5-7 at USA Swimming nationals

15. Louisville (1-2, 0-0 American)
Previous rank: 13

Results
W vs. Xavier (10/11), 189-70
SMU Classic (10/18-19), third place
L vs. Tennessee (10/24), 170-130
L at North Carolina (11/1), 213-140

Since last poll:
Michigan Invitational (11/22-24)

Next competition: December 5-7 at USA Swimming nationals

Tanja Kylliainen and Kelsi Worrell each lit up the pool at the Michigan Open, posting some in-season times that rank them in the top five nationally among collegiate swimmers.

16. Ohio State (7-1, 2-0 Big Ten)
Previous rank: 19

Results
W at Kentucky (10/11), 195-104
W vs. Kenyon (10/25), 191-99
W vs. Cleveland State (11/1), 252-48
W vs. Denison (11/1), 251.5-48.5
W vs. Virginia Tech (11/1), 191-109
L at Purdue (11/8), 157-143
W vs. Northwestern (11/8), 211-89
W vs. Ohio (11/9), 193-106

Since last poll:
Buckeye Invitational (11/22-24)

Next competition: January 11 at Toledo

Competing against strong non-conference rivals Florida and Georgia at their home pool, the Ohio State women’s team swam well enough to stay in the top 20 heading into holiday training.

17. Purdue (4-0, 2-0 Big Ten)
Previous rank: 16

Results
W at Miami (Ohio) (10/18), 177-116
Indiana Intercollegiates (10/26), first place
W vs. Notre Dame (11/1), 155.5-144.5
W vs. Northwestern (11/8), 202-97
W vs. Ohio State (11/8), 157-143

Since last poll:
Buckeye Invitational (11/22-24)

Next competition: Hoosierland Winter Invite

Purdue finished fourth at the Buckeye Invitational behind higher-ranked teams, and posted performances that showed consistency to keep them in the middle of the pack.

18. Arkansas (4-0, 1-0 SEC)
Previous rank: 21

Results
NTU Relays (10/4), first place
W at North Texas (10/5), 207-91
W at LSU (10/19), 180-120
W vs. Nebraska (10/26), 205-95
W at Missouri State (11/9), 203.5-88.5

Since last poll:
Missouri Invite (11/21-23)

Next competition: January 11 at Tennessee

A strong showing at the Missouri Invite, where the Razorbacks beat the 11-team field, included some school records and times that fell just short of automatically qualifying for the NCAAs.

19. UCLA (5-1, 2-1 Pac 12)
Previous rank: 17

Results
W at San Diego (10/19), 184.5-101.5
W vs. Santa Barbara (11/1), 198-99
W vs. Oregon State (11/1), 179-77
W vs. Florida Gulf Coast (11/1), 201-98
L at Arizona (11/8), 151-149
W at Arizona State (11/9), 183-113

Since last poll: UNLV Fall Invitational (11/21-23)

Next competition: December 5-7 at Texas Invitational

UCLA’s swimmers used the UNLV Invite to make final preparations for the Texas Invitational next week, so very few of the team’s swims showed improvement from previous outings. The divers performed well at a meet in Arizona.

20. Missouri (2-3, 0-2 SEC)
Previous rank: Not ranked

Results
Show-Me-Showdown (10/4)
L vs. Florida (10/17), 181-109
W at Southern Illinois (10/24-25), 285-155
L vs. Kentucky (at Southern Illinois) (10/24-25), 228-218
L vs. Texas A&M (11/1), 163-120
Missouri Invitational (11/21-23)

Next competition: January 11 at Tennessee

Though they finished third behind Utah at their home pool last weekend at the Missouri Invite, the Tigers get a higher spot, likely based on racing stronger teams throughout the season and following through with consistently strong swims.

21. Florida State (5-1, 2-0 ACC)
Previous rank: 22

Results
All-Florida Invite (9/27-29), second place
W at West Florida (10/11), 232-68
W vs. Tulane (at West Florida) (10/11), 241-59
L at Alabama (10/12), 167-133
W vs. Florida Gulf Coast (10/18), 189-109
W vs. Georgia Tech (10/25), 239-61
W vs. NC State (10/25), 157-143

Since last poll:
Auburn Invitational (11/22-24)

Next competition: January 4 at Florida

The Seminoles stay in the top 25 with a few in-season improvements from such swimmers as Madison Jacobi and Tiffany Oliver at the Auburn Invite.

22. Utah (4-1, 1-1 Pac 12)
Previous rank: Not ranked

Results
W at Oregon State (10/11), 168-95
L vs. Arizona (10/19), 204-96
W vs. Boise State (10/25), 188-112
W vs. UNLV (11/8), 195-105
Missouri Invitational (11/21-23)

Next competition: January 5 at Arizona State

Placing second at the Missouri Invite gets Utah barely into the top 25 to close out the first half of their season. A tough series of conference dual meets in January will determine if they can stay in the top 25.

23. Michigan (1-3, 1-1 Big Ten)
Previous rank: 25

Results
W vs. Iowa (9/27), 185-111
L at Minnesota (10/11), 174.5-125.5
L at Indiana (10/25), 181-119
L vs. Texas (at Indiana) (10/25), 210-90
W at Toledo (11/1), 221-79

Since last poll:
Michigan Open (11/22-24)

Next competition: December 5-7 at USA Swimming nationals

The Wolverines did not show much as they hosted the Michigan Open, saving their strong midseason swims for next week’s nationals.

24. Penn State (1-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Previous rank: 20

Results
W vs. West Virginia (10/18), 152-102
L at Virginia (11/8-9), 226-127
L vs. Texas (at Virginia) (11/8-9), 242-111

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: December 5-7 at Texas Invite

25 (tie). Alabama (2-1, 0-1 SEC)
Previous rank: 18

Results
W at Delta State (9/20), 242-50
W vs. Florida State (10/12), 179-121
L at Florida (11/7), 179-113

Since last poll:
Auburn Invitational (11/22-24)

Next competition: January 11 vs. Kentucky and Arkansas

Leah Bird continues to shine for the Tide, making big gains in the Auburn Invite. Kristel Vourna also swam well, winning the 100 fly and improving on her time in the 50 freestyle.

25 (tie). Arizona State (2-1, 0-0 Pac 12)
Previous rank: Not ranked

Results
L at Minnesota (10/5), 197-94
W vs. UNLV (10/26), 198.5-98.5
W vs. Denver (10/26), 163-131
L vs. USC (11/8), 167-128
L vs UCLA (11/9), 183-113
UNLV Invitational (11/21-23)

Next competition: December 5-7 at USA Swimming nationals

Arizona State finds themselves back in the poll after a strong weekend racing a tough Cal team and placing second at the UNLV Invite. Many of their swimmers had season-best times that were able to amass the points needed to beat UCLA at the meet.

25 (tie). Southern Methodist (0-2, 0-1 Conference USA)
Previous rank: Not ranked

Results
UNT Relays (10/4), third place
SMU Classic (10/18-19), fifth place
L at Rice (11/1), 151-129
L at Houston (11/2), 158-141
Art Adamson Invitational (11/21-23)

Next competition: January 17-19 at Austin Arena Grand Prix

The Mustangs also find themselves back in the poll after a fourth-place outing against very strong teams in College Station, swimming times that put them back into the conversation as one of the top teams in the nation.

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