The UNF women’s swim team was no match against Florida Gulf Coast Jan. 17, as the Ospreys lost to the Eagles 129-71.

Although the result was a loss, Sophomore freestyle swimmer LynAnn Nelson broke her
own UNF record in the 1000-meter freestyle for the second-straight meet.

“It was a good accomplishment that motivated me and others on the team,” Nelson said. “If I am doing a best in time, so can others on the team.”

Nelson beat her personal best time by nearly five seconds, finishing in third place, and also took second in the 500 freestyle.

“We started the meet in 49 degree weather in an outdoor pool,” head coach Beth Harrell said. “Nelson proved that it doesn’t matter what type of element you are in as long as you do your best.”

The Ospreys placed first in two events, but they didn’t beat the Eagles, who are ranked No. 4 in the Mid-Major poll.

Florida Gulf Coast split UNF’s six-dual conference winning streak in half.

“When you’re out of town and on the road constantly you tend to become a lot more tired,” said Harrell. “We didn’t win Saturday, but the records these girls made were impressive.”

Freshman Taylor Crosby took first place in the 100 breaststroke, placing 1 minute, 8.76 seconds, a new UNF season best.

“It’s important to us that we learn from our mistakes,” Harrell said. “Our not-so-great swims will teach us what we can improve on against Georgia Southern.”

With UNF (5-2  Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association) continuing to break records the past few meets, the Ospreys have high hopes, Harrell said.

“Coach and I have set out some goals that are reachable,” Nelson said. “Saturday [against Georgia Southern] is a new day.”

The Ospreys will return to the water at 2 p.m. Jan. 24 when they take on Georgia Southern in the UNF Aquatic Center.

E-mail Heather Furey at asst.sports@unfspinnaker.com.