Despite winning only three of the 12 events, the Ankeny girls’ swimming team relied on its depth to defeat Valley, 100-86, in its home opener on Tuesday at Trail Point Aquatics Center.
Ankeny avenged last year’s 95-90 loss to the Tigers.
“We had a fun home opener!” said Ankeny coach Dustin Rhoads. “The energy of the team was awesome. Valley is always tough regardless of the team they have so I knew we had to be at our best. We returned most of the girls who lost a tough, close meet to Valley last year so that was motivating for everyone.”
Ankeny got off to a good start in the diving competition. Isla Corron won the event with a score of 197.55 points, while teammate Lilah Beall was the runner-up with 160.15.
“I want to make it to state this year,” said Corron. “I hope I make it through all the cuts too.”
Lydia Beenen added a fourth-place finish in diving with a score of 151.90 points. That gave Ankeny an early 12-4 lead.
“I thought the divers were great to start us off,” Rhoads said. “They were very consistent on the home board and scored big points for us to kick off the meet.”
After Valley won the 200 medley relay, Ankeny swept the top three places in the 200 freestyle. Maggie Blackmore won the event with a time of 2:03.17, Avery Anderson was second in 2:03.59, and Alexis Hergenreter finished third in 2:05.28.
“Our depth really showed tonight,” Rhoads said. “Valley won nine of the 12 events including all three relays, but we were right there in all the races. Going 1-2-3 in the 200 freestyle, and 1-2-4 in the 100 butterfly and diving were huge for us. We also went 2-3 in every relay which was crucial if we didn’t win the relays.”
Ankeny’s Charlie Villhauer won the butterfly in a time of 1:02.38. Her sister, Holland, was second in 1:03.88.
Charlie, a two-time state placewinner in that event, was competing for the first time this season after having surgery this summer.
“Having Charlie back was huge for our team!” Rhoads said. “She is a team captain and big competitor, so it definitely gave us a boost!”
Blackmore later placed second in the 100 freestyle in 56.79. Teammate Abigail Brugman was third in 57.82.
Brugman earlier took second in the 50 freestyle in 25.98. Rowen Hutzell was third in 26.64.
Hutzell later placed second in the 100 breaststroke. She was clocked in 1:12.95.
Hergenreter earned a runner-up finish in the 500 freestyle in 5:37.39. Anderson placed third in that event in 5:38.41.
Allie Kearney took second in the 100 backstroke in 1:05.78. Piper Hedrick finished third in 1:06.76.
Hedrick earlier placed third in the 200 individual medley in 2:21.71.
“It just shows the girls how important every spot is and how every point matters and how we need everyone to contribute to be successful,” Rhoads said. “It’s fun to watch this group become a team! We are still figuring out our potential and best possible lineups, but thankfully that doesn’t have to be decided today.”
Ankeny improved to 1-1 in the CIML Conference and 4-1 overall. The Tigers’ records dropped to 1-1 and 2-1.
“I’m really proud of all the girls,” Rhoads said. “They really stepped up to the challenge tonight. This is a big win for our team’s confidence. Anytime you can get a CIML win and beat Valley is a great win! Now it’s back to work! We can’t be satisfied and have to keep getting better.”
Ankeny will host a non-conference meet against Council Bluffs Lewis Central (1-3) on Thursday. The Titans have already lost to CIML opponents Valley (111-59) and Dowling Catholic (118-52).
