DALLAS, Texas - The Lady Tigers took the first dual meet of the year Thursday night, 65-48, against the SMU Mustangs at Perkins Natatorium as they gear up for a big weekend in Dallas. The dual meet was the first of three days of competition for the Tigers.

The Tigers jumped out to an early lead winning the 200-medley relay, and never lost momentum as Eileen Coparropa and Becky Short went 1-2 in the 50 free. Coparropa's time of 23.48 earned the victory while Short split 23.69. Short went on to win the 100 free (51.24), while Coparropa placed second (51.36), and teammate Cassidy Maxwell earned third (51.46).

NCAA record holder, Maggie Bowen, increased her 200 IM winning streak, by placing first with a time of 1:59.88. Bowen went on to later win the 200 Breaststroke in 2:16.62. Laura Swander placed second (2:18.46), and freshman, Kelly Jones, placed third (2:18.99).

Ashley Rubenstein won the 1-meter (286.20) diving competition, and placed second on the 3-Meter (244.42).

Freshmen Margaret Hoelzer and Kirsty Coventry also swam well for the Tigers. Hoelzer placed second in the 200 fly (2:00.51) and third in the 200 backstroke (2:04.16). Coventry placed second in the 200 backstroke (2:02.20).

The Lady Tigers will continue competition through the weekend as they compete in the SMU Women's Swimming and Diving Classic. Auburn is the defending champion of the competition.