BOISE, Idaho – The score in Idaho's season-opening swim meet at Boise State University didn't reflect the positives first-year coach Mark Sowa saw in the Vandals Saturday.

 “There were a lot of really good things that went on today in the pool and on the boards,” said Sowa after the 198-96 loss. “Certainly we never enjoy a loss but we did see some very good racing from our athletes.”

 While there was only one event champion from Idaho – three-meter diver Paige Hunt, the Vandals picked up a numerous seconds and thirds throughout the meet.

 “On the boards today our divers were awesome,” Sowa said. “Paige leading off the meet winning the three-meter shows us that she is going to be a force in this conference.”

 Rachel Millet (200 free), Erica Anderson (100 back), Lyndsey Williams (200 breast) and Calleagh  Brown (100 fly) all had runner-up finishes in their specialties. Hunt also added a second-place effort in the one-meter event.

 There were others who were right there. In the 100 breaststroke, Kelsie Saxe was third but just .04 out of second with teammate Laura Griffing only another .04 behind her in fourth.

 Sammi Mischkot had a strong day in the distance events with a second in the 500 free and a third in the 1,000 free with teammate Kori Ungaretti third in the 500 and fourth in the 1,000.

 “Our freshmen today swam like seasoned veterans,” Sowa said. “Rachel's 200 free and Erica's 200 back were particularly impressive.  Most importantly, our seniors continued to show how their leadership is going to steer this ship in the right direction.”