A Historic Upset in the Pool: South Carolina Women Break 38-Year Drought Against UNC
In a thrilling display of aquatic prowess, the #21 South Carolina Gamecocks women's swim team pulled off a stunning upset against the #13 UNC Tar Heels on November 7, 2025, in Columbia, South Carolina. This victory marked their first outright win over UNC since 1985, snapping a 38-year drought and sending shockwaves through the swimming community. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: the UNC women had dominated this rivalry for years, winning 13 consecutive matchups, with only a tie in 2023 interrupting their streak. So, what changed this time around? And this is the part most people miss: it wasn't just one swimmer who carried the team to victory, but a collective effort that showcased the Gamecocks' depth and determination.
Women's Meet: A Tale of Record-Breaking Performances
The South Carolina women dominated the meet, scoring 176 points to UNC's 124. Senior Amy Riordan, a standout performer, broke the pool record in the 200 backstroke with a time of 1:52.28, just shy of her team record. She also won the 100 backstroke and anchored the winning 200 medley relay, where the Gamecocks edged out UNC by a slim margin. But it wasn't just Riordan who shone; Breckin Gormley won the 200 and 500 freestyle events, while Jordan Agliano took the 200 fly, and Delaney Franklin secured the 200 breaststroke. The team's success in the 200-yard events was particularly notable, as they swept all four races.
Controversial Question: Is South Carolina's Success Sustainable?
As the Gamecocks celebrate their historic win, a question lingers: can they maintain this level of performance throughout the season? With the Gamecock Invitational approaching from November 18th-21st, where both teams will meet again, it's worth considering whether South Carolina's dominance is a fluke or a sign of things to come. Some may argue that UNC's off day contributed to the upset, while others believe the Gamecocks have genuinely elevated their game. What do you think? Is South Carolina's success here to stay, or will UNC bounce back stronger?
Men's Meet: UNC Continues Dominance
In contrast to the women's meet, the UNC men extended their winning streak to five meets, scoring 174.5 points to South Carolina's 125.5. Louis Dramm and Ben Delmar were the standout performers for the Tar Heels, with Dramm winning the 200 and 100 freestyle events, and Delmar securing victories in the 100 breaststroke, 200 breast, and 400 IM. The UNC men's depth was on full display, as they outscored the Gamecocks by nearly 30 points.
Looking Ahead: The Gamecock Invitational
As both teams prepare for their next showdown at the Gamecock Invitational, one thing is clear: the rivalry between South Carolina and UNC is far from over. Will the Gamecocks women continue their winning ways, or will the Tar Heels women rebound? And can the South Carolina men close the gap on their UNC counterparts? These questions will be answered soon enough, but for now, swimming fans can relish in the excitement of this historic upset and the controversies it has sparked.
