After victories at Eastmont and in Yakima, the girls swim and dive team continues its undefeated season. On Sept. 26, the Panthers swam at Eastmont and crushed the Wildcats 134-52. On Oct. 1, they swam in Yakima and completely dominated. They beat Eisenhower 134-48, Davis 147-24, and Sunnyside 130-41.

Freshman Isabelle Dressel, senior Rachel Wilt, junior Ali Brandt, senior Annie Stefanides, sophomore Kayli Elwyn, and freshman Rebecca Bay all placed first in individual events in Yakima. All of Wenatchee’s relays took first place as well.

On Oct. 5, the girls team placed third at the Mukilteo Invite in Federal Way. Freshman Jessica Wierzbicki, Wilt, Dressel, and sophomore Audrey Parrish set a meet record in the 200 freestyle relay with a time of 1:41.35. According to head coach James Elwyn, this time was 2.55 seconds under the state time and the fastest time in the state so far this season. He also said that junior Erin Higley had a “phenomenal day” and dropped time in two events. “The third place [team] finish equaled the best finish in school history,” said Elwyn. “In spite of being in the middle of the most difficult weeks of training, the team performed at a high level, even without two seniors who were taking the SAT.”

Elwyn said two athletes who have really stood out this year are Wierzbicki and Dressel. Assistant Coach Mike Hartley said he expects Dressel and Wierzbicki to make it to multiple championship finals at the district meet this year.  Wierzbicki says that she loves being a part of the team and that practices are hard, but “all the effort and work you’re putting in is worth it.” The girls are going to practice after school every day and before school three days a week.

Hartley believes that the biggest challenge to the team is staying healthy. “We have experienced a few bouts with various seasonal illnesses, but these girls have proven pretty tough and very smart in terms of taking care of themselves,” said Hartley. “We should be at full strength in time for Districts and State.”