FORT MYERS, Fla. – Despite earning first-place points in six events, the Vanderbilt swimming team dropped its nonconference dual meet against Florida Gulf Coast, 172-121, Friday at the FGCU Aquatics Complex.
“We had some really great swims with some close races. All in all today was a really exciting day of racing. Tonner continues to have a great season and I am looking forward to what is ahead,” said head coach Jeremy Organ.
Tonner Debeer (55.31) claimed the 100-yard backstroke and 100-yard butterfly (55.25), and Lauren Thomas (2:04.46) added a win in the 200-yard backstroke. Alix Roy’s 4:58.54 was good for first in the 500-yard freestyle, followed by Taylor Ward’s second-place 5:01.01. Roy also earned first-place points in the 400-yard individual medley (4:26.03).
Lara Hernandez-Tome earned her first win on the season by touching first in the 1,000-yard freestyle (10:16.56).
Abigail Burke’s 1:51.93 in the 200-yard freestyle was good for second, one spot ahead of Taylor Ward (1:52.26). Taylor Ward (1:52.26) was third. Alina Jones (1:04.45) and Lindsey Gordon (1:04.55) posted a 2-3 showing in the 100-yard backstroke.
Burke went on to lead Vanderbilt in the 100-yard freestyle with a 51.13. Vanderbilt took spots 3-7 in the 50-yard freestyle, paced by Allison Bauer’s 24.13. Lizzy Colwell (2:16.90) was second in the 200-yard breaststroke.
The Dores posted silver-worthy finishes in the 200-yard medley relay (1:42.63) and 400-yard freestyle relay (3:27.12).
Vanderbilt returns to action Nov. 9 for an SEC dual meet at Tennessee.
