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

PLAINWELL 114.5  STURGIS 71.5

Fresh off a big win at home over Harper Creek our Lady Trojans found themselves traveling some 60 miles south taking on Sturgis for what would be our 2^nd conference win in as many weeks. Although the score reflected a convincing win our girls understandably looked tired and a little flat to start the meet. Maybe it was the long bus ride or even the letdown after coming off a big win the previous week? Perhaps the high yardage workouts this time of year are starting to take their toll. Whatever the reason, it was apparent we lacked some energy at the start of this night.  In the end our Lady Trojans fought hard, found a way to come together and ran away with this meet. We saw some character tonight! Good job ladies you’re becoming a team.

After Sturgis won the first relay race of the night Plainwell stormed back with Maddie Betz grabbing the top spot in the 200 free. Hailee Lamorandier took 2^nd while Grace Doerr finished in 6^th.  Shanyn Jewell grabbed 2^nd in the 200IM with Mikah Havenaar and Carly Braginton finishing in 3^rd and 4^th. Cassy Keator won the 50 free with a time of 27.00 flat while Burgess and Varley had a very close battle for 3^rd and 4^th.

In the diving the outcome was in question until Emily Zimmers final dive of the night moved her into the top spot. Alex Uridge took 4^th, Sofia Fox 5^th and Joslyn Miller who dove exhibition scored an impressive 137.60.

Coming out of the diving break Colby Hills, Laura Jones and Naomi DeLaet would take an impressive 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the 100 Fly while Marlee Burgess, Mikah Havenaar and Madison Moore would Place 1,3,4 in the 100 Free.^. Sarah Lindenbach had another very good 500 Free taking 1st. Maddie Bets followed in 2nd and Hailee Lamorandier 4th.  Carly Braginton found herself in 2^nd place at the end of the 100 Backstroke with Colby Hills close by for 3^rd and Tori Vanslambrouck 5^th. One of the closest races of the night came in the 100 Breaststroke with a three way battle for the top spot. The victory would go to Shanyn Jewell with Sarah Lindenbach right behind for 3^rd and Lauren Vanlent 4^th.

Showing some noticeable improvement in both form and speed in the 100 Free event was Kylee King, Abbey McKenzie, Gabby Evans, Sydni Rieman, Addie Terpstra and Julie Widman. Also swimming well in the 50 Free was Kylee King, Addie Terpstra, Ashleigh England, Vallina Encinal Andrea, Bailey Williams and Emma Lindsey. Nice job Ladies!