USAF ACADEMY, Colo. -- Saturday marked the start of a new season for the Omaha swimming & diving team, as it opened the 2017-18 campaign with a double dual at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The Mavericks fell 210-89 to host Air Force and 196-98 to New Mexico at the USAFA Natatorium.
Senior
Olivia McLain and freshman
Rebecca Martini each had a runner-up finish on the day. McLain swam a 59.38 in the 100 butterfly, while Martini was second in the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:28.79.
Junior
Kylie Vermeire earned a pair of top-three finishes, placing third in both the 1000 freestyle (11:03.62) and 500 freestyle (5:25.78).
Freshman
Naeleah Hadford made her collegiate debut with a third-place showing in the 50 freestyle (24.05). She also teamed up with senior
Cassandra Jahn, sophomore
Rachel Morrow and freshman
Bella Smits for a second-place finish in the 400 freestyle relay (3:40.77).
"We showed some strengths and had good learning opportunities today," head coach
Todd Samland said. "This meet was helpful in showing our team our areas for improvement, such as stronger turns and competitiveness at the end of the races. We have a great group of swimmers and divers, and I'm excited to move forward this season."
Omaha returns to action on Friday, Oct. 27, visiting Iowa State at 6 p.m. in Ames, Iowa.
