Selected girls from the Metea girls’ swim and dive team competed at sectionals this past Saturday for a chance at state this past weekend. During the meet, hosted at Metea, the team showcased their hard work and dedication for a shot at state.

Last year four girls qualified for state. This season, five girls qualified, including senior Amanda Schmidt in the 100 fly, 200 medley relay, and 200 free relay, senior Marley Schroeder in the 200 medley relay, junior Sarah Voakes in the 200 free relay, junior Allison Leslie in the 200 medley relay, 200 free relay, and 50 free, and lastly, senior Halle Reifsnyder qualifying in the 200 medley relay and 200 free relay.

Sectionals started with sophomore Bridget Anderson and senior Emily Thompson competing against divers from both DVC and outside of the conference. After the challenging competition, Anderson placed fifth while Thompson placed sixth. Both of the girls just missed the cut for state. 

Transitioning into a competitive afternoon of some preeminent races, Metea was able to pull some best times last Saturday. For instance, individually, junior Allison Leslie ended up swimming the 50 free in 24.11 seconds, beating the state qualifying time of 24.34 by 23 milliseconds. Senior Amanda Schmidt, was able to pull a 56.53 second time, beating the state qualifying time of 57.89 by more than a second.

Rosary High School placed first overall in sectionals with a score of 261. Neuqua Valley took second place with 187 points and Naperville Central came in third with a score of 179.5. The talent from all schools at the meet was incredible.

Nonetheless, the five state-bound swimmers with qualifying times will be traveling to FMC Natatorium in Westmont, IL this weekend for a competitive meet against the best of the best.