Falls’ young squad impresses coaches
The International Falls girls swim team didn’t expect to win at Grand Rapids on Tuesday, but they didn’t expect to come away with such a strong showing, either.
Coach Jill Herzig said that she and assistant coach Kayla Gilbert were “very happy with the results” against a very powerful Grand Rapids team.
The Falls lost 99-68 and Herzig said it could have been worse. With three seniors and one junior, she is working to build depth and strength with the younger swimmers.
“Our girls swam very well,” she added.
Varsity highlights of the meet included a second place finish in the 200-yard medley relay. Erika Mitchell, Tamera Stouffer-Batcher, Sarah Lindberg and Paige Herzig competed and finished in two minutes, 12.07 seconds. Laura Rognerud, Morgan Bruess, Monica Hasbargen and Rachel Adams placed fourth in 2:23.25.
Hasbargen (2:32.9) and Rognerud (2:42.19) finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the 200 freestyle. Herzig would also place fourth in the 200 individual medley in 2:59.39.
Lindberg (1:16.17) and Stouffer-Batcher (1:19.37) placed second and third in the 100 butterfly. Lindberg (29.14) and Adams (30.54) finished fourth and fifth in the 50 freestyle.
Mitchell (1:02.27) and Hasbargen (1:09.44) placed fourth and fifth in the 100 freestyle and Adams placed fourth in the 500 freestyle in 7:17.94.
The junior varsity team fell 118-34.
Herzig said that after two consecutive meets away at swimming powerhouses like Hibbing and Grand Rapids, she is looking forward to the first home meet today against Eveleth.
