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CARBONDALE (SIU ATHLETICS) -- The ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois men's swimming and diving team garnered its first individual title on Day two at the Mid-American Conference Championships inside Shea Natatorium. The Salukis remain in third place with 218 points, as they trail Missouri State and Miami (OH) in the team standings. 

"We had a really good night in terms of energy," first-year head coach  said. "A lot of our guys performed better than they did in prelims, which was good to see. We have to regroup and get ready for tomorrow."

 highlighted Day two, as he claimed his first-career conference title in the one-meter dive. The senior recorded a score of 306.80 to win the event. He was the lone diver to reach the 300-plateau. Saluki divers Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý also reached the A-final in the one-meter. Campbell placed fourth (261.45) while Mercado was sixth overall (246.05). 

"Being a conference champion is a big deal," Hanson said. "It was his first-ever conference win. It came down to the last dive and he delivered with a great one. I am really happy for him and the other two divers in the top-eight."

Freshman swimmer  finished runner-up in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 1:47.62. He was neck-and-neck throughout the entire race with Missouri State swimmer Arthur Cury, but was outlasted for first place by a mere .06 seconds.  impressed in the B-final of the 200-IM with a winning time of 1:50.75. 

Another freshman, , qualified for the A-final in the 500-yard freestyle. He placed seventh in the finals with a time of 4:33.78. Only two seconds separated fifth through seventh place.  (4:32.37) and  (4:34.64) placed second and third in the B-final. 

"Our freshman stepped up with top-eight finishes," Hanson said. " had a good showing the 500-free and  was just touched out in the 200-IM."

 gave the Salukis key points with a fourth-place mark in the 50-yard freestyle (20.63). It was the second-straight year Hajtman placed top-five in the event. 

The Salukis closed the day with a fourth-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle relay. The team of , Hajtman, Phillips and  swam a season-best time of 1:22.73 in the relay. 

SIU will be back in action tomorrow for Day three at the MAC Championships, which will feature six finals events. Preliminary events will begin at 10:30 a.m, followed by finals events at 6:30 p.m.

Follow @SIU_SwimDive on twitter, @SIUSwimandDive on Instagram and Saluki Swimming and Diving on Facebook for the latest updates on the Salukis.

Day 2 Standings

1. Missouri State - 322

2. Miami (OH) - 260

3. ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois - 218

4. Ball State - 174

5. Evansville - 117