The Merrill girls finished seventh in Thursday’s WVC Meet, hosted by Marshfield at UW-SP.
Wausau East wrapped up a conference title over SPASH by confirming the dual results with their big-meet win.
“I thought everybody swam well at the conference meet,” MHS coach Lisa Siewert said. “I was so proud of Emily Schroeder as she stepped up to help her team by swimming a leg of the 400 freestyle relay. She was not scheduled to swim and was uncomfortable with swimming. Despite her fears, she rose to the occasion and did extremely well – dropping 20 seconds in the 100 free.
“The whole relay (Schroeder, Alexis Kanitz, Faith Wheat, and Morgan Norton) all swam personal best times. The meet officials were so impressed by Emily’s swim and sportsmanship that she was made the swimmer of the meet. Her performance and that of her fellow relay members is what high school athletics is all about – to learn how to be a good team member and do the best you can.”
The squad placed 18th in 5:14.47.
Merrill top finishes came from Kendyl Pettit (12th, 1:00.38) in a tight 100 free race, and the 200 free relay (12th, Caitlyn Kolehouse, Hanna Cohrs, Miranda Jahnke, Pettit, 1:55.79).
Jahnke was 15th in the 200 IM (2:41.58), 17th in the 100 fly (1:15.26) and helped the 200 medley relay(Pettit, Kolehouse, Wheat, 2:14.40) to 16th.
Pettit (:27.68) and Kolehouse (:28.44) went 16-17 in the 50 free. Also placing 17th were: Wheat (500, 6:38.39); Norton (100 back, 1:21.56); Kolehouse (100 free (1:03.75); and Rachel Hoepner (100 brea, 1:31.36).
Team standings – Wausau East 480, Stevens Point 454, D.C. Everest 410, Wausau West 308, Wis. Rapids 277, Marshfield 163, Merrill 48.
The Bluejays will compete in Saturday’s WIAA sectional at UW-SP.
“I am confident that they will surprise themselves by swimming much faster than they have all season.,” Siewert said.