The Ankeny girls’ swimming team remained unbeaten with a pair of victories in a non-conference double dual meet on Thursday at Trail Point Aquatics Center.
The Hawkettes defeated Newton/Colfax-Mingo/Pella, 100-80, and Des Moines Roosevelt, 138-42. They improved to 5-0 on the season.
“It was a fun night at the pool,” said Ankeny coach Dustin Rhoads. “We especially knew Newton would be a good test for us. They have a really solid team this year and won quite a few races. Our depth in a lot of areas was really what helped us get the team wins. Winning two relays and having a great night on the (diving) boards was very important as well!”
Ankeny was led by Gracie Lindaman and Charlie Villhaur. Lindaman won the 500 freestyle in a time of 5:39.97, while Villhaur took the 100 butterfly in 1:03.46.
Lindaman also anchored the winning 200 medley relay. She teamed up with Madison Trosper, Kyra Zinn and Leah Schafer to post a time of 1:55.52.
Lindaman later combined with Trosper, Paige Spoelstra and Villhaur to win the 400 freestyle relay. The Hawkettes were clocked in 3:47.84.
“I try to teach the girls that every spot matters regardless of the event or position,” Rhoads said. “I lose a little sleep sometimes trying to figure out our lineup and a game plan to be successful as a team. It was a total team effort again tonight! It’s fun to see all the different people who have stepped up. We are always led by our seniors, but we also had five freshmen score valuable varsity points tonight as well.”
Ankeny got second-place finishes from Spoelstra in the 200 freestyle (2:06.52), Allie Kearney in the 200 individual medley (2:25.83), Lindaman in the 50 freestyle (25.84), Maggie Blackmore in the butterfly (1:05.26), Avery Anderson in the 500 freestyle (5:59.86), Trosper in the 100 backstroke (1:04.81) and Zinn in the 100 breaststroke (1:16.76).
Zinn, Kearney and Spoelstra also joined Villhaur on the runner-up 200 freestyle relay. The Hawkettes posted a time of 1:45.58.
Ankeny also got a second-place finish from Miranda Gagne in the diving event. She scored 191.50 points.
“We still have a lot of things to work on and we must continue to train hard, but we have gotten off to a great start to the season,” Rhoads said. “The girls are continuing to improve and coming together as a team. We certainly will have a big challenge going to Waukee Northwest next (Thursday).”
