Justin L. (Melanie Q./Staff)

After a week off from competing, the AquaVikes found success at sectionals on Saturday, February 10. The girl’s team traveled to Columbus School for Girls, while the boys swam at the Kenyon College Natatorium. 

The girls placed third with 178 points and several district qualifiers. Lillian B., Maddie E., Ella L., and Olivia L. snagged the sole gold with 1:41.20 in the 200 free relay. The 400 free relay (Morgan S., Rene F., Clara S., and Ella) and 200 medley relay (Lillian, Maddie, Olivia, Morgan) finished 3:56.25 and 1:52.92, placing second and third, respectively. 

Lillian found success in her individual events, claiming silver and bronze in the 200 IM (2:15.62) and 100 fly (1:01.88). In the 500 free, Ella swam 5:31.86 for third. To round out the podium finishes, Olivia snatched bronze in the 50 free with 25.50, and Maddie finished close behind in 25.60.

Along with the individuals listed above, Kate C., Camille H., Christina L., and Aliya S. also advanced to districts.

Continuing their victory streak, the boys walked away with the sectional title and 224 points, dusting second-place Granville by 69 points. The 200 medley relay (Andy L., Mircea B., William D., and William H.) finished in 1:41.11, tallying a gold. William D., Mircea, and William H. returned with Greyson T. to round out the 200 free relay, earning a silver in 1:33.89. 

In the 100 free, William H. placed first (47.38) with Andy close behind in second (48.13). The duo tallied two more silvers—Andy in the 50 free (21.79) and William H. in the 100 breast (59.86). William D. also found success in the 100 breast, swimming 1:01.50 for third. Another consecutive placing was Mircea and Justin L. in the 200 IM, collecting third (2:09.67) and fourth (2:11.64), respectively.

Other individual qualifiers for the boys include Mason H., Luke L., and Michael R. 

As the Aquavikes look to continue their postseason success, they will travel to Ohio University for districts on Friday, February 16.