The Brookfield Central Girl’s Swim team put their early-season talent on full display in a dual meet against Brookfield East on Thursday, September 11th. Both squads displayed several strong performances in this early-season tuneup, all while being accompanied by the roaring cheers of the Brookfield Central audience.
In one of the first events of the night, the 100m butterfly, freshman Bella Brueggeman led the way for the Lancers, taking second in heat two with a time of 1:00.75. Her teammate, sophomore Harper Van Dam, was the Lancer’s second highest scorer, finishing fourth. Caroline Wanezek of Brookfield East led from the get-go and took first with a time of 58.72.
In event 13, the 100 yard freestyle, senior and team captain Baleigh Miller took a commanding lead and managed to hold on over a Spartan swimmer in the neighboring lane, swimming 56.67. Senior Elizabeth Feist was the second Lancer in the event, taking third place overall with a time of 1:01.32.
Brookfield East swimmer Maeve Green took a solid victory in the following 500 yard freestyle with a time of 5:24.08, displaying fantastic endurance as she finished over 25 seconds ahead of her closest competitor.
In one of the most competitive team events, the 200 yd freestyle relay, Baleigh Miller and freshman Claire England led the Central squad to a second place finish in 1:46.95. Brookfield East took the win in a combined time of 1:42.83.
On top of their many strong performances throughout the night, the Lancers also demonstrated incredible team chemistry as they fervently encouraged each other and participated in a group cheer with the Brookfield East team before the meet. Senior and Captain Sophia Beaudoin cites carbo crams, team dinners, and cheers as some of the many reasons for the swim team’s strong bonds: “Even though swim is more of an individual sport, doing it in high school means that it doesn’t have to be an isolating one, and we do a great job of ensuring that everyone feels welcome and ready to swim every day.”
The Girls’ Swim Team hopes to continue their success and positive attitude as they inch toward the postseason, with their next meet being the highly competitive GMC relays on September 25th.
