The Gators closed their home season Sunday with nine NCAA “B” qualifying times and 29 season-best times against Indian River State College.
While the 157-106 women’s and 165-120 men’s wins were expected, Florida achieved unprecedented success in its Senior Day meet against Tennessee the previous day.
The victory for the men’s team was the largest win over Tennessee in school history.
The combined margin between both Florida squads was the greatest margin of triumph in a one-day duel meet since 2001.
The No. 5 men’s team had 34 season-best times and 12 first-place finishes, leading them to a 198-101 victory over the Volunteers.
The No. 8 women’s team took first in seven races and achieved 21 season-best times to win 180-120.
The meet started well for Tennessee with top 1-meter diving scores for the men’s and women’s teams, but Florida’s 200-yard medley relay team turned the tide with an NCAA “B”-qualifying first place finish.
It was the first victory of the day for sophomore Marco Loughran, who also took first place in both the 100- and 200-yard backstroke.
“Especially on Senior Day, I’m really happy to finish the way I did,” Loughran said.
“I’m not really too bothered where other people stand. I’m just worried about where I think I can go.”
Twelve other Gators also earned “B” qualifications, including senior Conor Dwyer, who finished first in the 200-yard freestyle and the 400-yard individual medley.
He broke the season’s national record in the 400 IM with a time of 3:44.73.
The 400 IM was a team success as well, as the Gators captured the first four places, sweeping Tennessee.
Junior Sarah Bateman swam her fastest time of the season so far, winning the 100-yard freestyle.
Her victory in the 50-yard freestyle was just 0.04 seconds off her season best, and she said it was great to send the seniors off with a successful meet.
The only senior on the women’s team, diver Monica Dodson, achieved her second-best career 3-meter dive and said she feels confident with her dives going into the SEC Championships.
“Being able to come in and do what I wanted to do and achieve what I wanted to achieve means a lot,” she said. “It’s always good to end on a good note, so I’m happy.”
Coach Gregg Troy said he was pleased with the outcome, especially on the women’s side, as UF has dealt with several health issues this season.
“I’m really proud of the women,” he said. “It’s just been an up-and-down year.
“We’ve had setbacks and injuries, and they keep doing a tremendous job.”
Troy said he is confident junior Shara Stafford, who missed Saturday’s meet due to health reasons, will return in time for the SEC Championships, hosted by Florida in February.
