VERMILLION, S.D. – The Omaha swimming & diving team opened its conference season on Thursday night against South Dakota at the DakotaDome Pool. South Dakota took the meet with a score of 165.5-134.5

Omaha took the top spots in six of the 16 total events. Sophomore Morgan Stepp and senior Jenna Foiles made the biggest splash for the Mavs, as together the pair claimed five of the six event victories for Omaha.

Stepp, a Parker, Colo., native placed first in the 800 free (9:21.46), 200 breast (2:42.48) and 200 IM (2:26.44).

Foiles took the victory in the 200 fly (2:25.71) and the 100 fly (1:05.74). The Albuquerque, N.M., native was also a part of the 400 free relay team that included freshman Cassie Jahn, sophomore MacKenzie Ritter and junior Hannah Johnson; the quartet finished second (4:07.54).

Johnson capped the evening with top-two finishes in the 50 free (27.61) and 100 free (1:00.74). Freshman Sam Starke and senior Lexi Bergeron had solid nights as well, finishing with a pair of top-two finishes. Starke took the second spot in the 200 fly (2:26.25) and 200 IM (2:29.54), while Bergeron finished second in the 100 breast (1:17.24) and 200 breast (2:46.31).

Freshman Hilary Schieffer won the 200 back, clocking in with a time of 2:27.22. Schieffer also finished second in the 200 free (2:11.42).

Junior Miranda Knipfer continued her recent success, posting a top-two finish in the 3-meter dive. The reigning Summit League Diver of the Week posted a season-best score of 256.58 in the event.

Sophomore Hayley Duncan was runner-up in the 100 breast, posting a season-best time for any Mav (1:09.68).

Omaha returns home for the first time in over a month on Saturday, Nov. 15 against conference rival South Dakota State. The meet is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. from HPER Pool.