Coming off back-to-back losses to rival Pacific 10 Conference schools, the Arizona swimming and diving team entered the month of February reeling.

Down in the polls with the start of the postseason just one month away, the team needed a strong performance against national powerhouse Texas to re-establish itself as a legitimate title contender.

Mission accomplished.

The No. 7 Arizona women's team defeated Texas, 185-166, winning 12 out of 18 overall events.

UA was dominant across the board, with Artemis Daphnis, Emily Mason, Beth Botsford, Sarah Tolar and Jessica Wagner all winning multiple events in their respective categories.

The seniors, participating in the last home meet of their careers, swam well against the Longhorns, with Tolar, Maria Papadopoulou and Katie Zimbone all contributing to relay wins against the Texas swimmers.

"We're really excited (about the win)," Zimbone said. "It gives us a lot of confidence going into the NCAAs, and it brings the whole season together."

The Arizona men's team did not fare as well against their opponent, falling 183-145.

Seniors Roland Schoeman and Kris Souther came up big for Arizona in the freestyle and backstroke, respectively. Juan Veloz, Chris Trimble and Eric la Fleur all achieved impressive victories as well.

The meet showcased several individual matchups as well.

On the women's side, top Wildcat freestyler and current national champion Tolar went head-to-head against two of the top swimmers in the country - Texas' Erin Phenix and Lauren Thies. Tolar won three of the individual events and beat Phenix in the last leg of the 400-yard freestyle relay.

For the men, Schoeman and Souther defeated Texas' two top swimmers in the freestyle and backstroke, Chris Kemp and Tommy Hannan.

The swimmers will be facing off again in the NCAA tournament in April, and the Wildcats are confident of a repeat performance.

"We'll be ready," freshman Aram Kevorkian said. "We'll get 'em then."

The Wildcats are next in action Feb. 16 in Tempe against Arizona State.