Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska Kearney swimming team began its 2026-27 season this past weekend in Norman, Okla.

The Aqualopers were part of tri-angular with Texas-Permian Basin and Oklahoma Christian on Friday and then took part in OC's annual Sam Freas Invitational on Saturday. That seven-team field included Division I North Texas. Originally, both events were to have been in Edmond.

UNK tallied 625 points on Friday to be ahead of UTPB why racking up 296 points Saturday to finish third behind UNT and the host OC Eagles.

Topeka sophomore Joslynn Grace was the lone winner on the weekend, leading the field in the 200-individual medley (2:14.96) on Friday. She also was runner up in the 1,000-free with the program's third-best all-time time (11:18.10). Next, Beatrice sophomore Jaedyn Baxa was third (29:03) in the 50-backstroke with Grand Island freshman Delayna Hermesch fourth (29.43), Salina freshman Josie Ebel was third in the 100-butterfly (1:02.73) with Wyoming freshman Kaitlin Diver (5:56.29) runner up in the 500-free and Omaha junior Josey Fink third (6:04.19). Finally, Olathe freshman Libby Barney was fourth in the 100-breaststroke with the sixth best time in the annuals (1:08.86).

Barney then joined the 200-breaststroke all-time top 10 on Saturday thanks to a time of 2:31.99. That placed her fifth and she also was third in the 200 free (2:00.39). Among the 14 other top 10 finishers were Louisiana freshman Ryli Cazenave in the 100-butterfly (6th/1:03.40), Topeka senior Gabby Grace in the 100 backstroke (6th/1:05.18) and Kansas City sophomore Jacey McGraw in the 200 back (8th/2:21.24). Finally, Barney anchored and Baxa was lead for the fourth place 400 free relay team (3:42.33).

UNK has an alumni meet this Friday night and Saturday morning with Aqualoper great Yohara Salinas ('92) being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame this weekend as well.