Cal Unanimously Regains Top Spot in CSCAA Women’s Division I Swimming and Diving Poll

PHOENIX, Arizona, December 11. THE voters in this week’s College Swim Coaches Association of America’s poll of the top Division I women’s swimming and diving teams unanimously picked the California Golden Bears to regain the top spot in the rankings after a dominating performance at the USA Swimming winter nationals. Most teams were idle, but managed to hold their ranking or slip slightly.

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

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
UNLV Fall Invitational (11/21-23)

Since last poll:
USA Swimming nationals (12/5-7)

Next competition: January 24 vs. Arizona State

Cal’s incredible depth in the backstrokes was highlighted at nationals, as the Golden Bears took the top four spots in the 100 back. Missy Franklin nearly set the American record in the 200 freestyle, Elizabeth Pelton won the 200 IM and 200 back and Celina Li showed physical and mental toughness in the IM and butterfly events in Tennessee. Just about every member of the team posted season-best times to help them fight back in the poll rankings.

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

Results
W at Vanderbilt (10/12), 154.5-98.5
W vs. Texas (10/18), 152-148
W at Missouri (11/1), 159-118
Art Adamson Invitational (11/21-23)

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: December 20 vs. Rice

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

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
Art Adamson Invitational (11/21-23)

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: January 4 at Texas

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

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

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: January 4 vs. North Carolina State

5 (tie). 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
Buckeye Invitational (11/22-24)

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: January 4 vs. Florida State

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

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:
Texas Invitational (12/5-7)

Next competition: January 10 vs. Utah

Kasey Carlson’s school record in the 100 free and a near-personal best in the 100 breast gave the Trojans a much-needed boost in the poll rankings. Wins by Jasmine Tosky and Stina Gardell also helped the Trojans.

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

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
Buckeye Invitational (11/22-24)

Since last poll:
Idle

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

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

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:
Texas Invitational (12/5-7)

Next competition: January 4 vs. Stanford

The Longhorns were overshadowed by the remarkable performances put forth by Arizona and Southern Cal at the Texas Invite. Freshmen Madisyn Cox and Tasija Karosas posted numerous lifetime bests to highlight the week for Texas.

9. 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
Dowd Nike Cup (11/21-23)

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: January 11 vs. Navy

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

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
W vs. Boise State (11/23) 172-106

Since last poll:
Texas Invitational (12/5-7)

Next competition: January 3 vs. Oregon State, New Mexico State, Northern Arizona

Arizona came out fighting as usual at the Texas Invite, putting up dozens of automatic NCAA qualifying times, led by NCAA champion Margo Geer in the sprint freestyles.

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

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:
USA Swimming nationals (12/5-7)

Next competition: January 18 vs. Missouri and Illinois at Iowa

Lindsay Vrooman’s runner-up finish in the 1650 freestyle was the top swim for the Hoosiers at nationals, but the team had other performances to celebrate. Bronwyn Paslowski and Brooklyn Snodgrass also performed well in the championship finals in Knoxville.

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

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
Minneapolis Grand Prix (11/14-16)

Since last poll:
Jean Freeman Invite (12/5-7)

Next competition: January 11 at Hawaii

With the Minnesota Grand Prix serving as the fall focus meet for the Gophers, Minnesota did not show much as they hosted the Jean Freeman Invite. The times put up at the Grand Prix still keep them in good position in this week’s poll.

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

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
Michigan Invitational (11/22-24)

Since last poll:
USA Swimming nationals (12/5-7)

Next competition: January 4 at Georgia Tech

Kelsi Worrell’s first national title in the 200 fly was easily the top swim of the meet for the Cardinals’ women’s team, with a few relays also posting fast times.

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

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
Auburn Invitational (11/22-24)

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: January 18-19 at Ralph Crocker Invite

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

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
Georgia Tech Invitational (11/22-24)

Since last poll:
USA Swimming nationals (12/5-7)

Next competition: January 11 vs. Virginia Tech and Missouri

Molly Hannis was a bright spot for Tennessee at nationals, placing third in the 100 breast in her home pool.

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

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
UNLV Fall Invitational (11/21-23)

Since last poll:
Texas Invitational (12/5-7)

Next competition: January 11 vs. Utah

Linnea Mack’s school record in the 100 back and some strong relays in Austin almost put the Bruins into the top 15 this week.

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

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:
Texas Invitational (12/5-7)

Next competition: January 4 vs. North Carolina (in Naples, Fla.)

A school record and third-place finish in the 100 free by Alyson Ackman highlighted the Nittany Lions’ performances in Austin.

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

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
Buckeye Invitational (11/22-24)

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: January 11 at Toledo

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

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

Missouri Invite (11/21-23)

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: January 11 at Tennessee

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

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
Buckeye Invitational (11/22-24)

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: Hoosierland Winter Invite

21. Missouri (2-3, 0-2 SEC)
Previous rank: 20

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)

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: January 11 at Tennessee

22. Utah (4-1, 1-1 Pac 12)
Previous rank: 22

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)

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: January 5 at Arizona State

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

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
Auburn Invitational (11/22-24)

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: January 4 at Florida

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

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
Michigan Open (11/22-24)

Since last poll:
USA Swimming nationals (12/5-7)

Next competition: December 5-7 at USA Swimming nationals

The Wolverine women’s team was not as prominent in the top 16 as their male counterparts, but the week in Tennessee was highlighted by two swimmers in the championship final of the 400 IM, led by Marni Oldershaw’s third-place finish and Courtney Beidler’s fifth-place swim. Also, a top-eight swim by Angela Chokran in the 200 breast gave Michigan a boost in the rankings.

25. Notre Dame (1-3, 1-1 Big Ten)
Previous rank: Not ranked

Results
Dennis Stark Relays (10/11)
L vs. Auburn (10/12), 180-120
L. vs. Indiana (10/12), 155-145
L at Purdue (11/1), 155.5-144.5
W at Pittsburgh (11/9), 193-107
W vs. Virginia Tech (at Pittsburgh) (11/9), 162-138
W vs. Valparaiso (11/15), 219-60
W vs. Wisconsin (11/15), 171-126

Since last poll:
Hawkeye Invitational (12/6-8)

Next competition: January 11 vs. Michigan at Northwestern

Notre Dame had a banner weekend at the University of Iowa, highlighted by a school record time of 2:07.64 by Emma Reaney in the 200 breaststroke and a handful of NCAA B qualifying times in other events.

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