The Missouri State swimming and diving teams suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of Drury University. The women lost 147-94, while the men took it down to the wire with a score of 116-127. This was the third time the Bears faced off against the Panthers this season, though this was the first defeat for either team.

The women's team faced a tough road, as Drury won every swimming event in the meet.  The diving competition was a completely different story with senior Chelsea Ray (Anchorage, Alaska) swept the one-meter and two-meter boards. Newcomer Amber Green (St. Louis, Mo.) had another strong meet, placing second in the 50-yard freestyle (24.20) and 100-yard freestyle (52.81),

For the men, the meet was full of excitement.  After the second diving break, the Bears were up one point with two events to go, the 200-yard breaststroke and the 400-yard freestyle relay.  In the 200-yard breaststroke, the Panthers placed first and second, taking the lead from the Bears.  With one event to go, the Bears had to finish first and third to win the meet.  With only the anchor legs to go, Drury's 'A' relay led the MSU 'A' relay by .05 seconds.  Though the Bears put up a strong fight, Drury won the event, and the meet, with Missouri State finishing second and third.

Individually, junior diver Eric Ducourneau was sensational, winning both the one-meter (313.05) and three-meter (329.63) boards.  Fellow junior Roko Simunic was again one of the top swimmers for Missouri State, winning every event he competed in.  Simunic competed in the 400-yard medley relay (3:21.81), the 50-yard freestyle (21.03) and the 100-yard freestyle (46.45).

The teams will take to the water again tomorrow, Jan. 22 against conference rival Evansville.  The meet will be senior night, and all seniors will be recognized during the meet.  Swimming will begin at 5:00 p.m. at Hammons Student Center Pool.