The Michigan women's swimming and diving team struggled yesterday in its season opener, losing 167-128 at home against California. The Wolverines, who trailed by as many as 72 points at one time, closed the gap toward the end of the meet by taking eight first-place and second-place finishes in the last five events.

The Wolverines claimed both diving events, with sophomore Elyse Lee grabbing first place in the one-meter dive and junior Ellen Van Cleve winning the three-meter dive.

In the swimming portion of the meet, Junior Susan Gilliam took first in the 1,000-yard freestyle, picking up nine points for the team. Michigan finished the meet strong by winning the 400-meter relay with a team that consisted of freshmen Noelle Martin and Hannah Smith and juniors Kaitlyn Brady and Lindsey Smith.