COLUMBUS – Columbus East swept to a pair of wins over Bedford North Lawrence during high school swimming action on Thursday night.
The Olympians posted a 105-76 victory in the girls meet while also carding a 116-89 triumph in the boys meet.
In the girls meet, the Stars recorded six wins, with Emma Gabhart splashing to two individual victories. She clocked 25.56 in the 50-yard freestyle and 5:30.82 in the 500 free. She also teamed with Ava Lipp, Cookie King and Shelby Slaughter to take the 200 medley relay (2:04.07), and that same foursome won the 400 free relay in 4:05.83.
King touched first in the 100 butterfly (1:07.32), and Lipp won the 100 backstroke (1:10.18).
“The girls really held their own,” BNL coach Adam Young said. “They did a great job. Lots of great swims. The girls are looking great heading into the HHC meet.”
In the boys meet, East had too much top-tier firepower. BNL’s Cole Baker was a double winner in the 50 free (22.10) and 100 free (49.21), and he combined with Garrett Gabhart, Trey Kimbley and Isaiah Eicle to claim the 400 free relay in 3:24.71.
“Columbus East has maybe the best boys team I have ever seen them have,” Young said. “They’re tough all around and really took it to us. Our top swimmers held their own but couldn’t overcome East having two great swimmers in every event. If anyone is going to dethrone Floyd Central at the HHC this year, it would be this East team.
“Both teams did well and produced a number of season and lifetime best times. Unusual for this time of the season. I really like the way both teams are looking as we look toward what could be a special finish to the season this year.”
BNL will compete in the Mt. Vernon Invitational on Saturday.
