The short-handed Bluejays fell 120-48 to D.C. Everest in Thursday’s Parents’ Night meet.
“The team definitely felt the loss of Miranda Jahnke and Kendyl Pettit during the meet against DCE on Thursday,” MHS coach Lisa Siewert said. “Jahnke has a broken collar bone and might return by the end of the season; Pettit will return for the meet against Wisconsin Rapids next Thursday. Despite these critical losses, the team performed very well.
“Most notably was Morgan Norton’s 200 free, where she dropped 10 seconds-a truly outstanding feat. The coaches are very excited by Norton’s recent time drops. The Bluejays had great swims in the 100 free with Jennica Jahnke winning the race, followed by Taylor LaBorde and Caitlyn Kolehouse–all of the girls achieved best times in the event.
“Freshman Faith Wheat’s performance in the 500 freestyle was incredible. We now have a replacement for seniors Courtney Greiser and Madi Dillinger next year. Faith’s positive attitude and work ethic have made a positive impact on her swimming and the team. Dillinger has been working very hard at practice and it shows, by achieving best times in the 200 and 500 free.
“Robin Opsahl swam a competitive 100 fly, earning a season-best time. Her technique is improving, and we plan on including more endurance work so that she might obtain a life-time best by the end of the season.
Merrill’s best event was the 100 free, where J. Jahnke and LaBorde went 1-2 in 1:02.18 and 1:03.78. The other win came in the 200 free relay with LaBorde, J. Jahnke, Opsahl and Kolehouse (1:53.89). LaBorde was second in the 100 back (1:16.99).
Placing third were: Opsahl (100 fly, 1:15.39); J. Jahnke (100 brea, 1:20.53); the 200 medley (LaBorde, J. Jahnke, Opsahl, Wheat, 2:15.59); and the 400 free relay (Kolehouse, Dillinger, Grieser, Wheat, 4:48.19).
The team recognized important contributions in the Parents’ Night meet.
“The girls would like to give a big thank you to their parents for all the support they receive,” Siewert said. “We couldn’t make this year a success without them.”