JASPER – No matter how it was scored, Bedford North Lawrence posted impressive wins on Thursday.
The Stars faced Jeffersonville and Jasper in a double-dual format, with the meet scored as three separate competitions. BNL’s boys team conquered both meets, stopping the Wildcats 115-70 and the Red Devils 110-72.
Jasper won the girls meet with BNL 118-60, while Jeffersonville topped the Stars by a 115-65 count.
In the boys races, BNL swept the relays. Garrett Gabhart, Trey Kimbley, Cole Baker and Hayden Puckett powered to first in the 200 medley relay in 1:48.25, while Gabhart, Kimberly Isiah Eicle and Baker combined to take the 200 freestyle relay in 1:33.68. Eicle, Puckett, Kimbley and Gabhart touched first in the 400 free relay in 3:32.36.
Other winners for the Stars included Baker (58.30 in the 100 backstroke) and Eicle (1:10.18 in the 100 breaststroke).
“The boys took care of business,” BNL coach Adam Young said. “It has been a while since we were able to go to Jasper and come away with a team win. All the cards are now on the table for the sectional meet in February, for what should be another edition of our showdown with Jasper.
“We hadn’t seen Jeffersonville in a dual meet in a few years, and it was nice to renew that conference rivalry. They have a very good team with some fantastic swimmers and should do well at the conference meet.”
In the girls meets, Emma Gabhart was a double winner as she took the 200 individual medley (2:18.69) and 100 butterfly (1:00.88). She also teamed with Shelby Slaughter, Ava Lipp and Coookie King for a comeback win in the 400 free relay (4:08.94).
“The girls, as has been the theme for a while, didn’t have the depth,” Young said. “That said, the ladies had the swim of the meet, overcoming a big lead by Jasper to win the 400 free relay. That bodes well for their chances at sectional.
“The girls should be much more competitive at HHC and sectional this year, compared to the last couple of years. We have relays that can take on the best both can offer.
“Great meet overall. All three teams were swimming tired, so the lack of season-best times was no surprise. They boys had a couple of nice wins over two very good programs. For both our teams, good swims by everyone given that we are in the depths of our hardest training.”
BNL will visit Columbus East on Jan. 5.
