BERKELEY – Every season, the home opener proves to be a special occasion for the freshmen on the Cal women's swimming & diving team. And Thursday's meet against Utah was no exception.

Rookies Amy Bilquist and Katie McLaughlin claimed two events each to lead the Golden Bears to a 174-120 victory over the Utes under the lights at Spieker Aquatics Complex. The duo, plus freshmen Kathleen Baker, Madi Hurst, Jenna Campbell and diver Phoebe LaMay, as well as transfer Valerie Hull, is already having a significant impact on the squad.

“The freshmen and Valerie Hull have done a great job coming in and assimilating, and they're going to be a really important piece for us this year,” head coach Teri McKeever said. “They're definitely accepting that challenge and showing everybody how tough they really are.”

Bilquist earned her first win at the meet with a time of 23.05 in the 50-yard freestyle, then claimed the 200 backstroke in 1:57.03. McLaughlin secured victories in the 200 free (1:46.65) and 500 free (4:50.40).

“The first meet is super special to be able to put on the Cal cap and go on the pool deck,” Bilquist said. “It makes you realize how special it is to be here and really appreciate every opportunity to swim this season.”

Overall, Cal prevailed in 13 of the 16 events, including the 200 medley relay and 400 free relay. Other winners on the evening were veterans Marina Garcia in the 1000 free (10:09.91), Elizabeth Pelton in the 100 back (55.50), Rachel Bootsma in the 200 butterfly (2:01.09), Farida Osman in the 100 free (50.22), Noemie Thomas in the 100 fly (53.78), Anne Kastler on the 1-meter springboard (288.15) and Celina Li in the 400 individual medley (4:16.23).

Despite a number of impressive performances, McKeever said she is more concerned about effort than times at this point of the season.

“It's more about the way that they're showing up and their intention of just racing,” McKeever said. “I thought some of the times were a little better than I expected. But we've talked about not focusing on the times, rather  racing tough and executing. Pick something small and do that really well – don't worry about the whole picture at this stage.”

The defending NCAA champion Bears return to action on Friday, Oct. 30 when they host San Jose State in a dual meet that will get underway at 2 p.m.