September 27, 2016 

                 Plainwell 98  TK/DK/Hastings 88 

Tuesday night’s dual meet with the combined TK/DK/Hastings team brought everything from a Ninja Turtle sighting on the deck to a Burgess birthday breaststroke.  The TK/DK/Hastings team, yes that’s mouthful, brought the Lady Trojans their first major test of the season.  With the outcome uncertain until the final events, the swimmers stepped-up to separate themselves from a deep and talented adversary. 

During the first half of the meet, Plainwell flexed its might with several noteworthy performances.  The medley relay squad posted its second state qualifying time setting the tone for the majority of the meet.  Casey Keator dominated the 50 freestyle by speeding to a sub 27 second time.  The 200 IM also had stellar performances by Sarah Lindenbach and Marlee “Birthday” Burgess.  Which brings us to the diving.  Eleven, yes eleven, divers took the deck to enthrall the near capacity crowd in high drama above the crystalline blue waters of lake P-Well.  Once again, Emily Zimmer did not disappoint with a solid and very important first place finish.  Julia Rhodes also had a noteworthy series of dives for the Plainwell team. 

With excitement building, the Trojans brought their “A” game in the second half of the meet.  The 100 yard freestyle featured team captain Laura Jones smashing the one minute barrier in a close sprint finish.  Gabby Evans also performed well in the exhibition round by defeating the competition by several lengths, nice swim.  Sarah Lindenbach had another state qualifying time in the backstroke; additionally, Tori Vanslambrouck and Colby Hills had solid swims in the event.  With the meet coming down to the wire, the 500 freestyle swimmers entered the pool showing gutsy and inspiring performances by Maddie Betz, Carly Braginton, and Hailee Lamorandier.  Lap counters did a nice job also.  Flip, dip, and shake that sign.  The meet looked in hand after Marlee Burgess and Shanyn Jewell went one and two in the breaststroke.  Both the 200 and 400 free relays swam well with the shorter edition a second short of qualifying for state.  Prediction, next week they qualify. 

Our Lady Trojans were tested and passed with flying colors, blue and white.  However, there are bigger flippers to fry on the horizon with Marshall coming to town.  Bring the family, friends, football team, the mayor, and anyone else to next Tuesday’s October 4th meet.  It will be an epic event!

 Special Shout Out!  Nice work Madison Moore on your varsity 50 free! 

                       By: Jeff Braginton