Swimming & Diving

January 23, 1999

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Freshman Christine Cech led the University of Miami(9-2) women’s swimming team in a valiant effort to defeat the No. 11 FloridaGators (5-1) Saturday at the Whitten Student Union Pool on the UM campus.While the ‘Canes fell short of an upset by 46 points (172-126), Cech dominatedthe 50- (23.59) and 100-freestyle (51.29) events to help keep Miami close.

The Hurricane women came out strong winning the first five ofnine events but they couldn’t keep pace with the Gators.

“We had a tremendous day despite the loss,” said Interim HeadCoach James Sweeney. “The women swam excellent today and ChristyCech provided big wins for us. We are definitely on the right trackto building a top-notch women’s program at Miami and today’s meet reaffirmedthat.”

Senior All-American Rhiannon Leier was Miami’s other big performerwinning the 100-breastroke (1:03.39).

In diving action, junior All-American Janel Benda claimed firstplace finishes in the 1- (167.75) and 3-meter (188.30) diving competitions.Benda, the only UM female diver to compete Saturday, soundly defeated allfive of the Florida female divers in both events. All-American and1998 NCAA Diver of the Year Rio Ramirez won the men’s 1-meter diving competition.Saturday marked the Hurricanes last home meet for the season.

Miami’s next dual meet will be on January 29 as they travel to Austin,TX to take on Texas, Arizona and Texas A & M at the Jamail Texas Swimming