Tridents keep fighting as end of season looms
The Lake Holcombe-Ladysmith-Flambeau-Bruce-Bloomer Trident Swim and Dive team put another two meets in the books over the past few weeks, posting a loss at Rhinelander, then taking the win the following week at home, against Tomahawk.
Sept. 30 vs. Rhinelander (L 120-50)
In Rhinelander, the Trident swimmers opened with second place finishes in the 200-yard medley relay and 200-yard freestyle, despite good swims in both events. In the 50-yard freestyle, senior Brooke Lechleitner found herself in a tough race, but was able to reach the wall before Rhinelander’s Abi Winnicki, posting a season best time of 25.19 seconds.
Later, in the 500-yard freestyle, junior Madeline Bunton posted a season best time of 5:38.82, but finished second in the race. This theme continued for most of the meet, with the Tridents swimming good times, but unable to make gains against the defending State champions.
“It was a tough night for the girls, but they all had good competition in each of their races and as a team,” said coach Matt Bunton. “I was proud of how our girls kept fighting and working hard to do their best.
At the end of the night, the final score was 120-50, in favor of Rhinelander.
Oct. 7 vs. Tomahawk (W 106-54)
The following week, the Tridents hosted Tomahawk at home, claiming a 106-54 victory, prior to their final conference dual meet later this week, against Colby-Abbotsford.
The meet opened with the 200-medley relay team of juniors Sanaa Trott and Michelle Gaddy, freshman Sarah Allard and junior Sadie Heath, taking first place with a time of 2:14.03.
In the 200-yard individual medley, Gaddy posted a personal best time of 2:46.64, for second place. Lechleitner improved on her 50 freestyle, with a time of 25.04, taking first. In the 100-yard freestyle, Lechleitner again hit a season best, with a first place finish and time of 55.25.
The 100-yard butterfly saw freshmen Alyxandria Lunemann hit a personal best time of 1:21.18, while Gaddy continued to have a good night in the 500 freestyle, with a personal best time of 6:29.67.
In the 100-yard backstroke, Madeline took first, with teammates Lunemann and junior Macy Kennedy also scoring points. The 100-yard breaststroke featured sophomore Madi Kempen taking first place, with freshmen teammates Alaina Meskill and Kayleen Powell claiming second and third place finishes.
Finally, in the 400-yard freestyle relay, the Tridents took first and third places to secure their victory. The team also took the opportunity to celebrate their parents, with Parents Night.
“We are so grateful for our parents and their help throughout the season,” said Matt. “They are all very willing to help out whenever needed, hold team dinners, time at meets, and the list goes on and on.
