The Bluejay swim team hung within a 92-65 score of Wis. Rapids in Thursday’s road meet in the meter-length pool.
“Taylor LaBorde had another strong meet and swam several competitive races and won the 100M backstroke,” MHS coach Lisa Siewert said. “The coaches are excited about Taylor’s progress this year in the sprint and middle distance free events.
“Kendyl Pettit had excellent swims in the 50M and 400M freestyle events. Her competitive drive is pushing her to practice harder and the coaches are appreciating her growing leadership role on the team.
“Jennica Jahnke filled in for her cousin (Miranda Jahnke)’s absence in the 100 fly and swam a season best time.
“Freshmen Rachel Hoeppner and Shailee Myers voluntarily swam the 400M free and 100M breaststroke and finished first and second, respectively. It is encouraging to see the younger girls stepping up and swimming these tougher events.”
Merrill was credited with sweeping the 100 back (LaBorde, 1:23.77/Morgan Norton, 1:34.05/Madi Dillinger, 1:34.42), 100 brea (Hoeppner, 1:51.59/Myers, 1:53.70) and 400 free relay (LaBorde, Dillinger, Norton, Caitlyn Kolehouse, 5:26.94/Faith Wheat, Hoeppner, Courtney Grieser, Morgan Bloch, 6:06.41) after Rapids swam the last three events as exhibition.
Other runner-up finishes came from: Kendyl Pettit (50 free, :32.21); Jahnke (100 fly, 1:27.79); and the 200 free team (Robin Opsahl, Jahnke, Kolehouse, Pettit, 2:10.42).
Also placing third were: LaBorde (200 free, 2:45.47); Opsahl (100 free, 1:17.31); Pettit (400 free, 5:29.21); and the 200 medley relay team (LaBorde, Jahnke, Opsahl, Pettit, 2:35.20).