The Bluejay swimmers fell 113-53 in their first dual meet of the year when they hosted Medford last Thursday.
“We struggled with keeping positive this week and that could have gotten us off track a bit,” MHS coach Bethany Martinovici said. “We had many second place finishes which held us close. We need more girls to step up and become open to swimming other events. We have many girls who are too comfortable with their old tricks.”
Megan Koelsch took 1st in the 200 free (2:32.16), 3rd in the 100 free (1:06.54) and anchored the runner-up 400 free relay with McKenzie Baacke, Robin Opsahl and Tori Engel (4:47.15). Engel took Merrill’s other 1st in the 500 free (6:52.78).
Courtney Kolehouse ranked 2nd in the 50 free (:27.62) and the 100 back (1:14.31), and helped the 200 medley (Baacke, Opsahl, Jourdyn Mootz, 2:11.05) and 200 free (Miranda Jahnke, Jennica Jahnke, Mootz, 1:55.86) relays do the same.
“Megan Koelsch had a fantastic meet,” Martinovici said. “She was interested in swimming other events this week and she did great. Her nerves going into the 200 free kept her tense, but as she swam her first 50 she grabbed the lead. She continued strong through the whole event and did wonderful. Maybe her next step is to try the 500. It would be great to have three girls able to place in the 500, with Taylor LaBorde and Tori Engel.
“Courtney Kolehouse had a different lineup than normal as well. She decided this summer at swim camp that she enjoyed swimming the backstroke. She needs to work on the start, but everything else went smoothly. It was great to see her relaxed in an event. Courtney is such a well rounded swimmer.”
Other thirds came from: Mootz (100 brea, 1:25.24, edged by .19 sec.) LaBorde (200 IM, 3:01.13); and Opsahl (100 fly, 1:20.38).