TUCSON, Ariz. - The #1 Arizona women's swimming and diving team opened the 2000-2001 season today as they competed in the first day of a two-day event at the Hillenbrand Aquatic Center. The Wildcats took on the unranked Florida State Seminoles and swept all of the first day's swimming and diving events, with the exception of the 100y butterfly. On the men's side, No. 4 Arizona competed against both Florida State and Southern Methodist. Florida State is ranked No. 25 in the College Swimming Coaches Association of America poll and SMU is ranked No. 15. The Arizona men had a strong opening day against both teams and maintains the lead heading into the last day of the event.

Junior Sarah Tolar placed first in three events today, winning the 500 free (4:53.60) and the 100 free (50.91) individually, and swam the last leg of the winning 800 free relay team (7:37.19). Sophomore Beth Botsford won the 100 backstroke today with a time of 54.66, which is an automatic qualifying time for the 200 NCAA Championships. Junior Erin Vogt and freshman Jessica Wagner placed first in the 200 IM (2:04.83) and the 100 breast (1:04.65), respectively.

The Arizona men's team captured first place in both the 200 medley relay and the 800 freestyle relay. The 200 MR team, made up of junior Kris Souther, sophomore Dave Anderson, senior Ben Anderson and freshman Eric la Fleur, swam to a time of 1:33.27. Senior transfer Tyler Painter, senior Scott Gaskins, sophomore Jeff Dash, and senior Jay Schryver won the 800 free relay, posting a time of 6:54.80. At today