Girls Swimming: Tigers cruise by Southwest on Senior Night

Senior Robin Ellis (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Farmington built a huge 92-62 lead and then swam the last two events as exhibitions (no points scored) for a 92-91 dual meet win over Minneapolis Southwest/Henry Tuesday night at the Dodge Middle School pool.

"It was our fourth meet in eight days," Farmington coach Jen Marshall said, "and we're starting to turn the corner from fatigue and getting back to fast swimming."

Kaitlyn O'Reilly continued her productive junior season with three first place finishes. She teamed up with Chloe Holton, Ellie Sundet and Robin Ellis to win the 200 freestyle relay and also led the field in the 200 and 500 freestyle races.

Cora Ruzicka added a pair of blue ribbon performances, winning the 200 individual medley and 100 freestyle. Kirsten Kracke swam to victory in the 50 freestyle and Kendall Novak teamed up with Tori Sontag and Nikki Cayard for a sweep on the one-meter board.

Two other Tigers finished in the runner-up spot, Chelsea Gehrke in the 500 freestyle and Kracke in the 100 backstroke.

Three more Farmington swimmers placed third: Ellis in the 200 freestyle; Catherine Gehrke in the 200 individual medley and Holton in the 100 freestyle.

Senior Melanie Brothers (photo by Jim Lindquist_

The meet served as Senior Night and honored the contributions of five individuals and their parents: Ellis, Melanie Brothers, Maddie Alexander, Megan Maniaci and Vivian Jasinski.

"They have made huge contributions to this program over the years." Marshall said.

The girls get a welcome night off Thursday and then get back in the pool next Tuesday with a road dual meet at Shakopee.

Junior Nikki Cayard (photo by Jim Lindquist)