Relay keys victory for Waubonsie
The Waubonsie Valley girls swimmers reached down and got a little extra to win the 200-yard freestyle relay, because they knew that race would be a key to the team victory.
The Warriors won only five of the 12 events Thursday, but that second relay win carried them to a 99-87 senior night triumph over visiting St. Charles North.
"We were a little nervous going into that race because we were only ahead by two points," said Tyler Crittenden, who took the first leg. "So everyone stepped up and did really well. We were really happy with the way we swam."
"The 200 free relay is our favorite race," said Allison Szott, who swam the third leg. "It's just a fun relay to race overall, and we really work well together. Our goal is to score in that event at state."
Crittenden and Szott, both seniors, were aware during that race that it would mean a team victory that would put an exclamation point on senior night activities.
"We knew this would be our last home dual meet, and winning meant a lot to us," Crittenden said.
"As juniors last year, we planned senior night last year, and we were looking forward to this meet because it was a special night for us," Szott said. "We had our goals and everyone backed us up."
Juniors Elena Carvell and Shelby Daeschner joined the 200 freestyle relay team that finished with a time of 1:42.17.
Crittenden, who swam all three relays, also led off as the backstroker in the 200 medley relay that got the Warriors off to a fast start.
Elizabeth Keeve, Carvel and Hannika Schleebs followed Crittenden as the Warriors finished in 1:52.52
Crittenden also won her only individual race, the 50 freestyle in 25.53, followed closely by Angie Chokran of St. Charles North and Schleebs .
"I love swimming all three relays," Crittenden said. "I did the backstroke instead of the free in that race and I liked the change. I liked going first. I want to swim all three relays in the postseason."
Daeschner's first place finish in the 200 freestyle in 2:02.57 and Carvell's 58.84 to win the 100 butterfly, were the Warriors' other two victories.
Underscoring the importance of the 200 free relay in the overall results was the fact that St. Charles North won the last three events.
Taylor Reynolds finished first in the 100 backstroke, Jessica Clay won the 100 breaststroke and Clay and Reynolds combined with Chokran and Jessica England to finish first in the 400 freestyle relay.
The North Stars' individual victories were produced by Clay in the 200 IM, Chokran in the 100 freestyle, England in the 500 freestyle and diver Marcy Blowers.
Chokran, who wasn't happy with her time in the 100, was determined to swim that distance faster on the second leg of the 400 freestyle relay.
"I don't normally swim the 100 freestyle," Chokran said. "But I want to swim on the 400 free relay in the postseason so it was important that I have practice in that event.
"After not getting my best time in the 100 freestyle, I felt enthusiastic to do better for my team in the relay, and that was a great race. My relay time was faster by a second."