Kelly O’Day
Sports editor
The Bluejay girls battled through some adversity and their usual numbers disadvantage in Thursday’s home meet with large-school SPASH.
“Merrill was battling some illnesses and minor injuries this week, so not as many personal bests as in past weeks, but everyone stuck it out and still swam hard,” MHS coach Kristie Winter said. “(Caitlyn) Kolehouse continued to cut time on her 50 and 100 free, placing first and second, respectively, and Pettit cut more time off her 500 free, placing first. She is pacing about 8 seconds faster this year then where she was last year at this time. (Rachel) Hoeppner also had some strong swims during the evening with another personal best in the 200 IM.
“The team has high hopes for some great times heading into the conference meet this week Thursday.”
Kolehouse (50 free, :27.08) and Pettit (500 free, 6:11.26) grabbed Merrill’s wins.
Runner-up finishes came from Kolehouse in the 100 free (1:01.01), Pettit in the 100 back (1:14.65), and the 400 free relay team (Kolehouse, Faith Wheat, Kaytlin Woller, Pettit, 4:41.62).
Placing third were: Wheat (200 freee, 2:26.82/ 500 free, 6:40.40); and Hoeppner (100 brea, 1:28.97).
SPASH pulled out a 111-56 victory.