MIAMI (Jan. 25, 2019)– Women's swimming and diving will host Florida Gulf Coast on Senior Day, Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Key Biscayne Aquatic Center at 11 a.m.

The Panthers and the Eagles will go head-to-head in the pool on Saturday, in a rivalry that dates to 2007, with FGCU leading the series 11-1 all-time against FIU. 

"FGCU has been a good rivalry since we began at FIU.  They have dominated their conference for the past decade," head coach Randy Horner said, "Our programs are very similar and it's always a good competition."

FIU last shared the pool with FGCU on Oct.6 when both teams sent split squads to participate in the TYR Classic at the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Center and a dual-meet hosted by the Eagles which both took place simultaneously.

 The Panthers finished in second place (454.5) at the TYR Classic, falling to the eagles, a dismal 24 points. However, in FGCU's pool FIU was victorious and completed the day in the top spot

"I think we match up pretty well against FGCU. They won the TYR Classic while we wont the dual with the rest of our team on the same day featuring our depth," Horner said. 

The meet is expected to be close and decided on by the winner of the close races. The Panthers look to their secret weapon, the divers, to tally up some points. 
 
"Diving is one of our programs strengths and they will have a lot to do with our team's ability to win Saturday," Horner said. 
 
In addition to marking the 12th time the Florida schools throw down, Saturday will also be dedicated to honoring the programs two seniors - Oceane Peretti and Naomi Ruele. 

Peretti, the Hyeres, France native, is one of the programs premier distance swimmers. 

"Her leadership and presence on deck will be missed, as much as her performance next season," Horner said. 

Ruele who sat out her freshman year due to shoulder complications, has blossomed into one of FIU's most decorated swimmers. 

"Naomi was the first Olympian during my tenure at FIU. She is a special athlete to us and our program," Horner said. 

Ruele's attempt to make her fourth-straight appearance at the NCAA Championship this year would make her only the second Panther to achieve that goal. Johanna Gustafsdottir has been the lone proprietor of that title since her FIU career wrapped up in 2015. 

In just a few weeks, Peretti and Ruele will have the opportunity to claim their fourth-straight Conference USA crown and program's fifth-straight title in just five seasons, since joining the conference in 2013. 
 
Senior Day ceremony will begin at 10:45 a.m., with competition set to begin at 11 a.m. 
 
Schedule of Events:
200 Medley Relay
1000 Free
200 Free
100 Back
100 Breast
200 Fly
50 Free
1 Meter Diving
100 Free
200 Back
200 Breast
500 Free
100 Fly
3 Meter Diving
200 IM
400 Free Relay
 
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400 Free Relay