Indiana to Host Florida Friday in Early-Season NCAA Showdown
The NCAA season is in its early stages, but it did not take long for a major showdown to dot the schedule. On Friday in Bloomington, Indiana University will welcome the University of Florida for a nonconference matchup at the Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatic Center. The meet is scheduled for 10 a.m. (Eastern) and will feature men’s and women’s competition. Last year, the Indiana men prevailed, while the Florida women emerged victorious.
With Indiana and Florida ranking among the premier programs in the nation, the meet will see plenty of big names in action. The Indiana men will be paced by reigning Big Ten Conference Swimmer of the Year Owen McDonald, a standout in the backstroke and individual medley events. For the Gators, multi-time NCAA champion Josh Liendo will be the headliner. The Canadian superstar, now a senior, has been a force in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 100 butterfly since arriving in Gainesville.
Sprinter Kristina Paegle will be an athlete to watch in the women’s meet, as the Indiana native is a sub-22 performer in the 50 freestyle. For the Gators, breaststroker Anita Bottazzo has been a World Championships qualifier and represented Florida in the 100 breaststroker and 200 breaststroke at last year’s NCAA Championships.
At last year’s NCAA Championships, the Indiana men placed third in the team standings, with Florida following in fourth. On the women’s side, Indiana was fourth at NCAAs, with Florida finishing sixth.
The meet will be streamed on: B1G+