The FIU swimming and diving team claimed 11 first-place finishes to open the 2015-16 at the North Florida Dual Meet on Saturday afternoon at the UNF Aquatic Center.
The Panthers squared off against both North Florida and Georgia Southern in the three-team meet, defeating the Ospreys, 168-90 and, downing the Eagles 155-103.
"We had a solid team day today,” Head Coach Randy Horner said. “Our team spirit is the best it has ever been. We have lots of work to do still this season to get accomplish our goals, but today was a step in the right direction."
Senior Jessica Chadwick earned first-place finishes in the 100-yard backstroke (1:05.91), the 200-yard breaststroke (2:22.63) and the 200 IM (2:07.85). Sophomore Kyna Pereira took first in the 1000-yard freestyle (10:14.36) and the 500-yard freestyle (5:00.99).
Senior Jessica Piper claimed first in the 200-yard backstroke (2:06.41), while sophomore Skye Carey took first in the 200-yard freestyle (1:54.18) and sophomore Ally Mayhew finished first in the 100-yard butterfly (57.81).
The team of Naomi Ruele, Chadwick, Letizia Bertelli and Jennifer Deist swam the 200-yard medley for a first-place finish (1:46.53). The Panthers claimed first in the 400-yard freestyle as Ruele, Bertelli Pereira and Carey finished with a time of 3:30 .40.
The Panthers will host Dual-a-Palooza, Oct. 16-17, from the Biscayne Bat Aquatic Center. The two-day event will feature FIU, Rice, Miami (Fla.) and Florida Atlantic.
